OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare foot anthropometry in healthy and diabetic subjects using Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) classificatory indexes: Arch Index (AI), Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI) and  Angle (Â), as well as to compare the classification of these methods in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Control Group (CG) composed by 21 healthy subjects and Diabetic Group (DG), with 46 diabetic neuropathy subjects. The indexes were calculated from footprints. RESULTS: A larger proportion of flat feet was seen in DG for the three indexes (AI: 32,2%, CSI: 59,7%, A: 17,5%), while highly arched feet acted oppositely. The groups were statistically different for the proportion of flat feet in AI (p=0,0080) and CSI (p=0,0000) and high feet in  (p=0,0036). There were significant differences when compared GC and GD in the three indexes: IA (p=0,0027), CSI (p=0,0064),  (p=0,0296). CONCLUSION: Data showed motor and orthopedic changes originated by peripheral neuropathy, which is responsible for foot changes, causing longitudinal arch crumbling. It was seen that A Angle strongly disagreed when compared with the arch classification made by the other two indexes and therefore, its application needs care.
Anthropometry; Evaluation; Foot; Diabetes Mellitus; Polyneuropathies
