Metric Analysis of the Foot of Yoruba Students at the University Of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Personal identification is the most important part of investigation and examination in cases of mass disasters, where disintegrated and amputated body organs are frequently found. The norms regarding determination of sex, age and race are well established. Studies on foot length, foot breadth and foot height have been carried out by many researchers in different populations. So the aim of the study was to do the Metric Analysis of the Foot of Yoruba Students at the University of Maiduguri and to find out racial characteristics of their own. The study was carried out on sixty (60) males' and sixty (60) females' Yoruba students of University of Maiduguri. Foot length, foot breadth and foot height was measured. Foot index was calculated and foot shape was determined, and then index of sexual dimorphism was also calculated. The results revealed that male foot length, height and breadth were significantly higher than their female counterparts. The study also showed that foot parameters are sexually dimorphic. Regarding the foot shape, proportion of standard and broad foots was higher among the males; however, the slender foot types were higher among the females. The anthropometric data provided serves as a template for the Yoruba students in University of Maiduguri on whom the study was carried out, and confirms that there is a geographical and sexual difference in anthropometric parameter. Therefore should be considered in shoe industries and forensic investigations.