Publication details
Historický přehled principů tvorby metod pro odhad výšky postavy člověka na základě skeletu.
| Title in English | A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE FORMULATION OF METHODS FOR STATURE ESTIMATION BASED ON THE HUMAN SKELETON |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Anthropologia Integra |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://anthrop.sci.muni.cz/UserFiles/Clanky//2012/94_Historicky-prehled-principu-tvorby-metod-pro-odhad-vysky-postavy-cloveka-na-zaklade-skeletu.pdf |
| Field | Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology |
| Keywords | stature estimation; historical review; constant ratio methods; linear regression; organic correlation; anatomical methods |
| Description | A historical review of principles guiding the formulation of methods for stature estimation based on measurements of the human skeleton reveals that it is possible to delimit four basic groups of methods: anatomical, constant ratio, linear regression, and organic correlation methods. Each has its own specific features and limits, which are a result of their mathematical constructions. Long bones of limbs are most often used for estimates of stature. It was demonstrated theoretically that linear regression models provide the most precise and accurate estimates of stature from particular skeletal elements, especially when several suitable bones are used in combination. A necessary condition for using the linear regression equations is, however, that we use equations based on the population from which the estimated individual originated. In contrast, when a regression equation is applied to an individual originating from a different population smaller or larger systematic error of the estimate may result. Phenomenon known as “regression to the mean” can be considered as the cause. Organic correlations are less prone to systematic errors, but they are also less precise. They can be applied to any population and are best suited for cases where the population of origin is unknown. Anatomical methods are best applied when the skeleton is adequately preserved as this method requires bone lengths of bones contributing to body height. The difference between height of the living body and the sum of lengths of relevant bones from head to heel is in the order of centimeters so the estimate error margin is small. Consequently, the differences between estimates obtained from using the different mathematical approaches are insignificant, so there is little benefit in preferring any particular one. Overall, anatomical methods provide the most accurate and precise results for height estimation and should be recommended wherever allowed by the state of preservation of the skeleton. |
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