Time to take hypermobility seriously (in adults and children)

The effects of joint hypermobility syndrome on the kinematics and kinetics of the vertical jump test

PURPOSE

Biomechanical impairments are not apparent during walking in people with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS). This research explored biomechanical alterations during a higher intensity task, vertical jumping.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study compared a JHS group (n = 29) to a healthy control group (n = 30). Joint kinematics and kinetics were recorded using a Qualisys motion capture system synchronized with a Kistler platform. Independent sample t-tests and standardised mean differences (SMD) were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

No significant statistical or clinical differences were found between groups in joint kinematics and jump height (p ≥ 0.01). Sagittal hip and knee peak power generation were statistically lower in the JHS group during the compression phase (p ≤ 0.01), but not clinically relevant (SMD < 0.5). Clinically relevant reductions were found in the JHS group knee and ankle peak moments during the compression phase, and hip and knee peak power generation during the push phase (SMD ≥ 0.5), although these were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The JHS group achieved a similar jump height but with some biomechanical alterations. Further understanding of the joint biomechanical behavior could help to optimize management strategies for JHS, potentially focusing on neuromuscular control and strength/power training.

Does the item 'hands on floor' add value to the Beighton score in identifying joint hypermobility?

OBJECTIVE

Different assessment tools are used to screen for joint hypermobility. One of the most commonly used tools is the Beighton score. However, the inclusion of the item "hands on floor" (HOF) has been questioned, as this maneuver is not a pure measure of the range of motion because it involves multiple joints and stretching of muscular structures. This study therefore aimed to determine the value of the HOF item to the Beighton score in children aged 6-11 years.

METHODS

Exploratory research involved children in Grades 1-4 attending four different primary schools in South Africa. Children with a severe medical or neurological condition were excluded from the study. Hypermobility was determined as a score ≥5/8 on the Beighton score excluding the HOF item.

RESULTS

A total of 460 children (median age 8.58 years [interquartile range, 7.33-9.50]) were tested, of which 34.57% were hypermobile. However, only 8.91% of all children scored positive on HOF. Although a significant association was found between HOF and the hypermobility classification (p=0.007), 86.16% of the hypermobile children could not place their hands flat on the floor. Internal consistency improved slightly when HOF was removed from the scale (α changed from 0.698 to 0.703), with a weak corrected item-total correlation (r=0.16). The specificity of the item HOF in identifying hypermobility is high (93.69%); however, the sensitivity is very low (13.84%).

CONCLUSION

This study does not show an additional value of the item HOF of the Beighton score in children.

Autism, Joint Hypermobility-Related Disorders and Pain

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Joint Hypermobility-Related Disorders are blanket terms for two etiologically and clinically heterogeneous groups of pathologies that usually appears in childhood. These conditions are seen by different medical fields, such as psychiatry in the case of ASD, and musculoskeletal disciplines and genetics in the case of hypermobility-related disorders. Thus, a link between them is rarely established in clinical setting, despite a scarce but growing body of research suggesting that both conditions co-occur more often than expected by chance. Hypermobility is a frequent sign of hereditary disorders of connective tissue (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Marfan syndrome), in which the main characteristic is the multisystem fragility that prone to proprioceptive and motor coordination dysfunction and hence to trauma and chronic pain. Considering the high probability that pain remains disregarded and untreated in people with ASD due to communication and methodological difficulties, increasing awareness about the interconnection between ASD and hypermobility-related disorders is relevant, since it may help identify those ASD patients susceptible to chronic pain.

Stretching the Spines of Gymnasts: A Review

Gymnastics is noted for involving highly specialized strength, power, agility and flexibility. Flexibility is perhaps the single greatest discriminator of gymnastics from other sports. The extreme ranges of motion achieved by gymnasts require long periods of training, often occupying more than a decade. Gymnasts also start training at an early age (particularly female gymnasts), and the effect of gymnastics training on these young athletes is poorly understood. One of the concerns of many gymnastics professionals is the training of the spine in hyperextension-the ubiquitous 'arch' seen in many gymnastics positions and movements. Training in spine hyperextension usually begins in early childhood through performance of a skill known as a back-bend. Does practising a back-bend and other hyperextension exercises harm young gymnasts? Current information on spine stretching among gymnasts indicates that, within reason, spine stretching does not appear to be an unusual threat to gymnasts' health. However, the paucity of information demands that further study be undertaken.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Hypermobility Type: A Much Neglected Multisystemic Disorder

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)-hypermobility type (HT) is considered to be the most common subtype of EDS and the least severe one; EDS-HT is considered to be identical to the joint hypermobility syndrome and manifests with musculoskeletal complaints, joint instability, and soft tissue overuse injury. Musculoskeletal complaints manifest with joint pain of non-inflammatory origin and/or spinal pain. Joint instability leads to dislocation or subluxation and involves peripheral joints as well as central joints, including the temporomandibular joints, sacroiliac joints, and hip joints. Soft tissue overuse injury may lead to tendonitis and bursitis without joint inflammation in most cases. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-HT carries a high potential for disability due to recurrent dislocations and subluxations and chronic pain. Throughout the years, extra-articular manifestations have been described, including cardiovascular, autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal, hematologic, ocular, gynecologic, neurologic, and psychiatric manifestations, emphasizing the multisystemic nature of EDS-HT. Unfortunately, EDS-HT is under-recognized and inadequately managed, leading to neglect of these patients, which may lead to severe disability that almost certainly could have been avoided. In this review article we will describe the known manifestations of the extra-articular systems.

Anxiety and joint hypermobility association: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anxiety disorders are often associated with several non-psychiatric medical conditions. Among the clinical conditions found in association with anxiety stands out the joint hypermobility (JH).

OBJECTIVES

To carry out a systematic review of the clinical association between anxiety disorders and JH.

METHOD

A survey was conducted in MEDLINE, PsychINFO, LILACS e SciELO databases up to December 2011. We searched for articles using the keywords 'anxiety', 'joint' and 'hypermobility' and Boolean operators. The review included articles describing empirical studies on the association between JH and anxiety. The reference lists of selected articles were systematically hand-searched for other publications relevant to the review.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles were included in the analysis and classified to better extract data. We found heterogeneity between the studies relate to the methodology used. Most of the studies found an association between anxiety features and JH. Panic disorder/agoraphobia was the anxiety disorder associated with JH in several studies. Etiological explanation of the relationship between anxiety and JH is still controversial.

CONCLUSION

Future research in large samples from the community and clinical setting and longitudinal studies of the association between anxiety and HA and the underlying biological mechanisms involved in this association are welcome.

Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: Psychological Features and Psychopathological Symptoms in a Sample Pain-Free at Evaluation

30 subjects with BJHS (Hypermobile) ( M age = 32.3 yr., SD = 10.4) and two control groups, 25 healthy subjects (Healthy) ( M age = 33.9 yr., SD = 93) and 30 fibromyalgic patients (Fibromyalgic) ( M age = 32.2 yr., SD = 9.4), were given the Symptom Checklist-90-R, the Illness Behavior Questionnaire, the Female Functional Symptoms Frequency (FFF) and the Male Functional Symptoms Frequency (MFF), derived from the DSM-III–R, evaluating functional somatic disturbances and their intensity, and the Symptom Questionnaire. The mean scores for the Hypermobile group showed significant psychological distress and increased frequency and intensity of somatic symptoms. Scores on Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms, General Hypochondriasis, Disease Conviction, Affective Disturbance, Denial, and Irritability were significantly higher in the Hypermobile than in the Healthy group. Elevated scores were found for the Fibromyalgic group on the Illness Behavior Questionnaire subscales for Psychological vs Somatic Focus, Disease Affirmation, and Discriminating Factors when compared with the Hypermobile group. Considerable emotional symptoms were detected which should not be underestimated by physicians when establishing an integrated biopsychosocial therapy.

Hypermobility and the hypermobility syndrome

Hypermobile joints by definition display a range of movement that is considered excessive, taking into consideration the age, gender and ethnic background of the individual. Joint hypermobility, when associated with symptoms is termed the joint hypermobility syndrome or hypermobility syndrome (JHS). JHS is an under recognised and poorly managed multi-systemic, hereditary connective tissue disorder, often resulting in a great deal of pain and suffering. The condition is more prevalent in females, with symptoms frequently commencing in childhood and continuing on into adult life. This paper provides an overview of JHS and suggested clinical guidelines for both the identification and management of the condition, based on research evidence and clinical experience. The Brighton Criteria and a simple 5-point questionnaire developed by Hakim and Grahame, are both valid tools that can be used clinically and for research to identify the condition. Management of JHS frequently includes; education and lifestyle advice, behaviour modification, manual therapy, taping and bracing, electrotherapy, exercise prescription, functional rehabilitation and collaborative working with a range of medical, health and fitness professionals. Progress is often slow and hampered by physical and emotional setbacks. However with a carefully considered management strategy, amelioration of symptoms and independent functional fitness can be achieved.

Flexibilidade anterior do tronco no adolecente após o pico da velocidade de crescimento em estatura

Flexibilidade anterior do tronco (FAT) é um componente importante dos exames clínico e de aptidão física utilizado como indicador da função vertebral. O teste mais utilizado para sua quantificação é o sentar-e-alcançar (TSA), que considerara como padrão de normalidade o toque das mãos nos pés, com critérios e parâmetros de análise que independem das variáveis. Neste estudo, investigou-se a FAT em adolescentes, após o pico da velocidade de crescimento em estatura, em função do sexo, da velocidade de execução e dos dados antropométricos. Os índices foram obtidos em centímetros; o peso corporal em kg. Participaram 102 adolescentes, sendo 45 mulheres e 57 homens, entre 16 e 20 anos de idade. Resultados indicam que o fator sexo, dados antropométricos e a velocidade de execução do teste influenciam os índices de flexibilidade; a avaliação da função vertebral não pode ter como critério de normalidade atingir os pés pelo TSA, e que a velocidade rápida leva a melhores resultados. Em resumo, os resultados indicam que tocar os pés, é um critério que exclui da normalidade da função vertebral aproximadamente 50% dos adolescentes. Assim, o critério para tomada de decisão quanto ao encaminhamento do adolescente para recuperação de maiores índices de flexibilidade precisa ser revisto.

Clinical study of hereditary disorders of connective tissues in a Chilean population: joint hypermobility syndrome and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the high frequency and lack of diagnosis of joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) and the seriousness of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS).

METHODS

Two hundred forty-nine Chilean patients with hereditary disorders of the connective tissues (CTDs) and 64 control subjects were evaluated for the diagnoses of JHS and VEDS using the validated Brighton criteria, as compared with the traditional Beighton score. In addition, the presence of blue sclera was determined, with the degree of intensity graded as mild, moderate, or marked.

RESULTS

The frequency of hereditary CTDs was 35%, with diagnoses of JHS in 92.4% of subjects, VEDS in 7.2%, and osteogenesis imperfecta in 0.4%. The Beighton score proved to be insufficient for the diagnosis of JHS (35% of subjects had a negative score), whereas the Brighton criteria yielded positive findings (a diagnosis of JHS) in 39% of control subjects. Blue sclera was frequent, being identified in 97% of JHS patients and 94% of VEDS patients. Moderate osteopenia/osteoporosis was observed in 50% of patients with VEDS and 26% of those with JHS. Dysautonomia, dyslipidemia, and scoliosis were more frequent in VEDS patients than in JHS patients. The typical JHS facial appearance and the "hand holding the head sign" were identified. Raynaud's phenomenon was extremely rare in JHS patients (2%). Ruptured uterus and cerebral aneurysm occurred in 12% and 6% of VEDS patients, respectively. Spontaneous pneumothorax was more frequent in VEDS patients (11%) than in JHS patients (0.9%).

CONCLUSION

JHS is very frequent but usually undiagnosed. The Beighton score is an insufficient method for JHS diagnosis. We recommend that physicians learn to recognize the typical facial features of JHS and be able to identify blue sclera. We also propose that validated hypermobility criteria be routinely used. Further research is needed to determine why the prevalence of JHS is so high in Chile.

The relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and motor development

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the presence and localization of joint hypermobility and delay in motor development.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed. All children younger than 2.5 years of age and between four and 12 years of age with generalized joint hypermobility were included. Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed using the criteria of Bulbena. In children between one and 2.5 years of age, motor development was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. In children four to 12 years of age, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children was used.

RESULTS

Data from 72 children were available for analysis. In nine of 16 children younger than 2.5 years of age, a delay in motor development was found without a significant association between the delay in motor development (yes/no) and the Bulbena score (odds ratio: 0.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.07-2.1). In children between four and 12 years of age, a severe delay in motor development was present in 14 of 56 children (25%), while 12 of 56 children (21%) were at risk and 30 of 56 (54%) were age appropriate. No significant association between delay in motor development and the Bulbena score was found (odds ratio: 1.3; 95% confidence interval: 0.8-2.1). The age of independent walking was not significantly associated with the number of hypermobile joints (Bulbena score) (linear regression coefficient: 0.3; 95% confidence interval: -1.5 - 2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Although severe delays in motor development may be observed in approximately one third of children with generalized joint hypermobility, there is no association between the amount of generalized joint hypermobility and delay in motor development.

Relationship between foot angles and hypermobility scores and assessment of foot types in hypermobile individuals

This study proposed to assess foot types and radiological examination of feet of individuals with hypermobility syndrome in comparison to healthy matched controls for age, sex, and body mass index. The relationship between foot angles and hypermobility scores of subjects in both groups were also~assessed. Twenty individuals having joint hypermobility syndrome previously diagnosed according to Beighton and Bulbena scores were compared to 20 healthy subjects. Standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral weigthbearing radiographs of feet of the individuals were taken. Foot angles and foot types were evaluated on the AP and lateral views. The mean +/- SD of Beighton and Bulbena scores were significantly higher in the hypermobile individuals (p <.001) than in controls. In both groups, Egyptian and square types of feet were mostly encountered (p >.05). Bilateral calcaneal pitch (CP) angles (p <.001), bilateral talometatarsal (TM) angles (p <.01), and right apex angles (p <.05) were significantly low in hypermobile individuals, whereas first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) angles were significantly high (right foot, p <.01; left foot, p <.05) as compared to the control group. Hypermobility scores correlated negatively with bilateral CP and TM angles and positively with bilateral first MTP angles. No correlation was found for the other~angles. These finding suggest that foot angles (especially CP, TM and first MTP angles) are in relation with severity of hypermobility. There was no difference between foot types in the hypermobile individuals and healthy controls. These angles may be useful for clinically monitoring the foot health in the hypermobile individuals.

Joint hypermobility

Joint hypermobility is an area of neglect in rheumatology. That is not to say it is overlooked by rheumatologists. It is spotted when sought, but for many unfortunate patients, here the story ends. The act of recognition becomes the goal in itself rather than the medium through which effective therapy can be provided. This chapter serves to reinforce the clinical and epidemiological importance of a common disorder whose significance is under-appreciated and impact largely ignored. In contradistinction to our earlier chapter, published in 2000, which took for its remit the heritable disorders of connective tissue in general, the current one focuses on the commonly encountered (so-called benign) joint hypermobility syndrome, its recognition, epidemiology, clinical features and management according to the most recent literature.