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Introduction: Adolescence is the period in which individual and social identity, including self-esteem and body image perception, is consolidated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns were ordered, and adolescents experienced an abrupt disruption in their lives. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (pre- or postpandemic period) on self-esteem and body image. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of Spanish adolescents was conducted between 2016 and 2023. Participants were categorized according to the COVID-19 period (pre- or postpandemic period). The Rosenberg Questionnaire and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered to evaluate self-esteem and satisfaction with body image. Results: A total of 627 adolescents were analysed. Of these adolescents, 297 (47.3%) were included in the postpandemic group. In both girls (32.75 ± 5.23 vs. 28.19 ± 6.59; p < 0.001) and boys (33.53 ± 4.08 vs. 32.18 ± 4.87; p = 0.005), significant differences in the Rosenberg Questionnaire and BSQ scores were observed between the prepandemic group and the postpandemic group. Adolescents in the postpandemic group (adjusted OR [aOR]: 5.24; 95% CI: 2.61–10.51; p < 0.001) had a greater risk of low self-esteem. Both good and regular-poor self-perceived health were significantly associated with female sex. Moreover, adolescents in the postpandemic group (aOR: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.94–4.82; P < 0.001) and female adolescents with self-perceived good and fair-poor health had an increased risk of mild self-esteem. Additionally, the postpandemic period (aOR: 5.42 95% CI: 2.96–9.93; p < 0.001), female sex, obesity and regular-poor self-perceived health were significantly associated with dissatisfaction about body shape. Conclusions: Adolescents in the postpandemic group had worse self-esteem and body image scores, and adolescents in this group were more likely to be female and had a greater risk of low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of foot orthoses to treat different pathologies in pronated feet in adults is widespread among podiatric professionals, although it has not been conclusively demonstrated to modify foot posture in the short or medium term. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prefabricated foot supports reduce pronated foot posture in adults, as measured by the foot posture index (FPI). Methods: A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted in 109 subjects with pronated feet. The participants were randomly placed into a control group that did not receive any intervention and an experimental group that used prefabricated orthoses for 6 months. The changes in the FPI were evaluated in both groups at 6 months. Results: Over the six-month follow-up period, the delta FPI variable was changed by −1.1 ± 2.2 points in the experimental group, whereas the same variable was reduced by 1.2 ± 2.1 points in the control group (p = 0.001). The participants in the experimental group neutralised their FPIs significantly more than those in the control group did (39.3% vs. 8.5%; p = 0.041). Moreover, individuals in the experimental group were more likely to migrate from highly pronated feet to pronated feet than those in the control group were (45.8% vs. 20%; p < 0.001). Finally, multivariate analysis indicated that prefabricated foot orthoses were associated with an improved FPI (OR: 6.23, CI%95: 2.72–17.09; p < 0.001). However, the corrective effect provided by the prefabricated foot orthoses, which neutralised the pronated posture, was nullified by the presence of index minus metatarsal formula. Conclusions: The use of prefabricated orthoses resulted in a decreased FPI in adults, especially in those with highly pronated feet. However, the index minus presence nullified the effect of prefabricated orthoses on foot posture neutralisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Child footwear, both in pathologies and in normal situations, can affect the foot in various ways depending on its characteristics. Below, some features of child footwear are described, and how they can influence the foot, including suitable size, shape and design, flexibility, and transpirable material; inadequate footwear includes situations with flat foot, equine foot, and hammer toes. It is important to highlight that each child is unique and may have different footwear needs. In case of specific pathologies or concerns, it is recommended to consult a specialist in podology or foot medicine for personalized assessment and recommendations. Methods: The present systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Children's footwear must adapt to all stages of children's growth, starting from when they begin to walk, to promote the correct evolution of their musculoskeletal system. For up to six months, they do not need to wear shoes; socks and similar clothing are enough to warm your feet like a second skin. The flexibility of respectful footwear is essential between six months and three or four years. From that age onwards, the soles can be somewhat thicker, and the buttress can have a certain firmness, but the shoes should remain flexible. Conclusions: Eco-friendly footwear, which typically comes from small businesses and factories, is sometimes described as "ergonomic footwear". However, there is some reluctance towards this term. When choosing this type of footwear for children, it is important to not just look at the label; rather, one should verify that it meets all the necessary characteristics to be considered respectful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Clinical trials have shown that intensive low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) lowering improves cardiovascular outcomes among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but data are limited in real clinical practice, particularly for patients with ASCVD informing different territories. Methods: FRENA was a prospective registry of consecutive outpatients with coronary, cerebrovascular or peripheral artery disease. We compared the incidence of recurrent events in patients with sustained LDL‐C levels <70 mg/dl compared with those with ≥70 mg/dl. Results: As of December 2018, 1182 patients were eligible for this study. Among them, 172 (14.5%) had mean LDL‐C levels ≤70 mg/dl, and 1010 (85.5%) had <70 mg/dl. Their clinical characteristics at baseline were similar. During 5 years of follow‐up, 252 patients (21%) suffered major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The incidence rates of MACE were 3.42 events per 100 patient‐years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.17–5.14) in patients with levels <70 mg/dl and 5.57 (95% CI, 4.87–6.34) in those with ≥70 mg/dl; the rate ratio was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.39–0.92), p = 0.019. On multivariable analysis, patients with LDL‐C levels <70 mg/dl were at lower risk for MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61 [95% CI, 0.39–0.93] p < 0.05). MACE reduction was driven by a decrease in coronary and peripheral events with no significant effect on stroke. Conclusions: Long‐term sustained LDL‐C <70 mg/dl in the clinical practice is associated with reduction in cardiovascular and peripheral vascular events with no apparent effect on stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]