Exploring Generalized Joint Hypermobility: Impact on Musculoskeletal Health and Quality of Life
Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is when a person has extra flexibility in certain joints that are usually uncommon. This classification is used when there is hypermobility in nine joints, as any more would result in a different diagnosis. GJH commonly affects young adults and demands constant monitoring of musculoskeletal health. Musculoskeletal health refers to the function, strength, and endurance of the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues that allow the body to move efficiently and remain stable. Maintaining good musculoskeletal health helps to prevent future injuries, reduces possible pain, and overall supports physical well-being.
A recent study was done on college-aged females (18-22), with the average age being 20 years old. Researchers discovered that, while there were common traits between those diagnosed with GJH and those who weren’t, some similarities really stuck out.
The study aimed to observe if physical activity and/or health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) were related to GJH. The study consisted of 67 participants, 26 being diagnosed with GJH and 41 without. A series of assessments including testing for hypermobility, anthropometric data, foot posture, balance, flexibility, strength, and HR-QoL, allowed researchers to discover the correlation between hypermobility and one’s quality of life. Researchers discovered that people with GJH had inferior balance and back muscle static strength endurance, but also greater flexibility.
One of the first assessments tested for hypermobility using the 9-point Beighton score. This assessment checked for elbow hyperextension, knee hyperextension, dorsiflexion of the fifth digit, the ability of the thumb to touch the forearm, as well as the ability of the palms to comfortably touch the floor while bending their back and keeping their knees straight. Each assessment was measured on a point scale, and a score of 5 or higher indicated GJH being present.
A non-flexible thumb, a more flexible one will have the top part bending backwards.
Image Source: moritz320
Researchers performed a foot analysis on all of the participants to determine if their foot posture was pronated, neutral, or supinated. A pronated foot implies the sole is facing downward or inward, while a supinated foot suggests that the sole of the foot is facing upward or outward. The overall analysis tested all structures of the foot from the heel to the toes, measured by scores ranging from -12 to +12. Receiving a score from 0 to +5 indicated normal foot structure, while anything above a 5 resulted in a pronated foot. A negative score resulted in a supinated foot diagnosis.
Other medical exams included physical fitness, balance, flexibility, explosive strength, handgrip strength, trunk muscle static strength endurance, and health-related quality of life. Of all the assessments, the two that showed the highest differences between the females with GJH versus those without were the posture of the feet and flexibility.
There was a distinct association between GJH and increased flexibility, reduced back muscle static strength endurance, impaired balance, and an altered foot posture. All of these factors can impact the condition of one’s musculoskeletal health and its function. The understanding of these physical characteristics is important because it can influence a person's daily functioning.
Other medical exams included physical fitness, balance, flexibility, explosive strength, handgrip strength, trunk muscle static strength endurance, and health-related quality of life. Of all the assessments, the two that showed the highest differences between the females with GJH versus those without were the posture of the feet and flexibility.
There was a distinct association between GJH and increased flexibility, reduced back muscle static strength endurance, impaired balance, and an altered foot posture. All of these factors can impact the condition of one’s musculoskeletal health and its function. The understanding of these physical characteristics is important because it can influence a person's daily functioning.
Featured Image Source: StockSnap
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