Sex and stature determination by handprint measurements of a Sri Lankan population

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between sex and height and handprint measurements in a Sri Lankan population. A stadiometer was used to measure height of 226 Sri Lankan subjects aged between 20–30 years. Palmar prints were obtained on paper using fingerprint ink. The palmar and axial tri-radii were identified and a calibrated digital vernier caliper was used for measurements. Also distal phalanx fingerprint measurements were obtained by length from anterior point of each fingerprint to the distal digital crease of relevant fingerprint. Sex and handedness of participants were also recorded. Pearson’s coefficient (R) between various fingerprint measurements and stature was calculated. Several finger prints measurements showed a moderate correlation with the stature (right a, left a, left b, right AT, right AR, right AM, right AR, left AI, left AM, left AR and left AL). Left AL had the highest correlation (R = 0.633). When t-test was applied for determination of correlation between handprint measurements of males and females, there was a statistically significant difference at all handprint measurements and heights. This study showed that there is a correlation between handprint measurements and the stature and sex of Sri Lankan adults. © 2024 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences.