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@article{197606,
        author = {Deepa C and Sugavaneshwaran and Athira K S},
        title = {FOOTPRINT RIDGE DENSITY AND RIDGE CHARACTERESTICS AS BIOMETRIC PARAMETER BETWEEN ATHLETES v/s NON-ATHLETES},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {7822-7825},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=197606},
        abstract = {Biometric identification has become an essential component of forensic science, relying on unique physiological traits for personal identification. Among these traits, friction ridge patterns found on the plantar surface of the foot offer significant forensic value due to their permanence, individuality, and resistance to environmental changes. While fingerprint analysis has been extensively studied, footprint ridge density and ridge characteristics remain underexplored, particularly in relation to lifestyle variations such as athletic activity. This study investigates whether footprint ridge density and ridge characteristics can serve as reliable biometric parameters to distinguish athletes from non-athletes. The research is based on the premise that continuous physical activity, mechanical stress, and pressure distribution experienced by athletes may influence ridge morphology and density. Using standardized footprint collection methods, ridge density was measured within defined regions, and ridge characteristics such as bifurcations, ridge endings, and patterns were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were conducted to identify significant differences between the two groups. The findings suggest that athletes exhibit variations in ridge density and structural features compared to non-athletes. These differences highlight the potential of footprint analysis as an additional forensic tool, contributing to biometric databases and improving identification techniques in cases involving partial or latent footprint evidence.},
        keywords = {Footprint Ridge Density; Biometric Identification; Athletes; Non-Athletes.},
        month = {April},
        }