Heel-Ball (HB) Index: Sexual Dimorphism of a New Index from Foot Dimensions

• NCJ Number: 239635
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2012 Pages: 172-175
• Author(s): Kewal Krishan, M.Sc., Ph.D.; Tanuj Kanchan, D.F.M., M.D.; Neelam Passi, M.Sc.; John A. DiMaggio, D.P.M.
• Date Published: January 2012
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research is aimed to introduce Heel-ball (HB) index from foot dimensions and determine whether this index exhibits sexual dimorphism.

Abstract

The present research is aimed to introduce Heel-ball (HB) index from foot dimensions and determine whether this index exhibits sexual dimorphism. The study was conducted on a sample of 303 North Indian individuals (154 men, and 149 women) aged between 13 and 18 years. The stature, body weight, foot breadth at the ball (BBAL), and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured. The HB index was derived by the formula BHEL 100/BBAL. Although the mean HB index was larger in women in both feet it showed statistically significant sex differences in the right foot only. The study shows that while the foot dimensions show a positive correlation with stature and weight, the HB index is independent of the stature and weight of an individual. This novel index (HB index) may be utilized in sex determination when a part of the foot is brought for medico-legal investigation. Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.