title: The relevance choice of  indexes to foot structure evaluation in the light of factors analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An evaluation of the correctness in of feet structure is decisive significance with regard to the prevention and correction of their deformation. The aim of this work was an attempt to verify which of the indexes used in ascertaining longitudinal arch, transverse arch and foot proportions have the greater diagnostic force and therefore are the most accurate in premise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional studies included 130 randomly selected students. The tested men were aged 20-28. A plantographic method non-marking technique was used to evaluate the feet. The indexes evaluating the longitudinal arch of the foot, the transverse arch of the foot and foot proportions were obtained from the plantograms. Verification of relevance choice of plantographic indexes to feet evaluation was made by factors analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The index of depth of the longitudinal arch of the foot (W(gwp)) achieved the maximum load factor values. The Wejsflog index (W(wp)) has achieved highest values of the factor loads than heel angle. The length and width index (W(d-sz)) has achieved highest values of the factor loads than the foot corpulence index (T(s)).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  1. The most valid index in use for the evaluation of the longitudinal arch of the feet is the index of depth of the longitudinal arch of the foot (W(gwp)). For evaluation of the transverse arch the most useful is the W(wp) Wejsflog index, while to evaluate the proportions of feet the most accurate is the length and width index (W(d-sz)).
authors.affiliation: University of Rzeszów, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiotherapy. ewalizis@poczta.onet.pl
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Puszczałowska-Lizis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult