Public Health of Indonesia
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026): July - September

Anthropometric estimation of height from tibial length in Batak adults: a cross-sectional study

Asan Petrus (Departement of Forensic and Medicolegal, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Mega Sari Sitorus (Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Jessy Chrestella (Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Height estimation is an important component in forensic science, anthropology, and health assessment, especially in situations involving incomplete remains. Tibial length has been recognized as a reliable predictor of height, but population-specific models are essential for accurate prediction due to variations in body proportions. This study focuses on developing a regression model for height estimation based on tibial length in the Batak ethnic group in Indonesia. Objective: To create an accurate regression model for predicting height from tibial length in the Batak ethnic group Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 52 Batak individuals (18 males and 34 females) aged 21-25 years. Height and tibial length (right and left) were measured using standard anthropometric instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression to develop predictive equations. Separate models were created for males, females, and the overall population, and model accuracy was evaluated using adjusted R² and standard error of estimate (SEE). Result: A strong positive correlation was observed between tibial length and height, with the combined tibial measurement producing the most accurate predictions. The regression model for females using both tibiae demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy (R2 = 78.9%, SEE = 2.65 cm). For males, the combined tibiae model had an accuracy of R2 = 58.4% and SEE = 3.65 cm. Gender differences in predictive accuracy highlight the importance of gender-specific models. Conclusion: This study confirms the reliability of tibial length as a predictor of stature and emphasizes the need for population- and sex-specific regression models. These findings have significant applications in forensic identification, especially for the Batak ethnic group. Keywords: Stature estimation; tibial length; Batak ethnic group; forensic anthropology

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PHI

Publisher

Subject

Public Health

Description

Public Health of Indonesia is an International, peer-reviewed, and open access journal emphasizing on original research findings that are relevant for developing country perspectives including Indonesia. The journal considers publication of articles as original article, review article, short ...