Muscle strength, muscle power and body composition in college-aged young women and men with Generalized Joint Hypermobility

Abstract

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the musculoskeletal system in women and men with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH). The study included 87 participants– 40 with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (aged 21.2 ±1.8 years) and 47 (aged 21.0 ±1.3 years) in the control group (CG). The study included the Beighton score, the measurements of body composition, muscle flexibility (Straight Leg Raise test, Popliteal Angle test, Modified Thomas Test), and the measurements of muscle strength and muscle power. T-test and Mann-Whitney U Test were applied to assess the differences between independent groups. The study showed that there were no significant differences (p>.05) in the assessed body composition and the muscle flexibility between both women and men with GJH and the participants in the CG. Under isokinetic conditions for the non-dominant lower extremity, men from the CG received significantly higher (p = .02) flexion peak torque at 180°/s angular velocity. Women from the CG received a statistically significantly lower (p = .04) F/E ratio at 180°/s velocity. Under isometric conditions for both women and men with GJH, there were no statistically significant differences (p>.05) in the maximum torques in knee extension and flexion compared to the CG. For women and men with GJH, the maximum power in the lower extremities and jumping ability were not significantly different (p>.05) compared to the CG participants. The body composition, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and muscle power of adults with Generalized Joint Hypermobility did not differ compared to healthy participants. The fact that there are no differences does not exclude the efficacy of strength training in increasing levels of muscle strength and its impact on body posture and proprioception or coordination.

Normative Values for Pinch Strength—Relationship With Joint Hypermobility as Measured With the Beighton Criteria

“…This finding is consistent with previous research that found no relationship between hypermobility as assessed using the Beighton criteria and grip strength. 23 Research involving shoulder, hip and knee strength reports significantly reduced strength in hypermobile individuals in some aspects of strength, 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 although finding them equivalent with nonhypermobile counterparts when testing other aspects of strength. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 In these studies and the present study, diagnosis of GJH was made using a score of 4 or more positive Beighton criteria, 10 , 11 , 12 but the studies varied between protocols and equipment used to measure strength.…”

“…Research involving young adult populations reports lower strength in flexion and extension of the knee, shoulder, and elbow in participants with GJH, compared with age- and sex-matched controls. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 Clinicians who believe that hypermobile athletes have less dynamic joint stability may prescribe strength training for their injury prevention and rehabilitation. 9 , 12 , 13 However, the same studies revealed that participants with GJH differences were equal to nonhypermobile counterparts in some aspects of strength testing.…”

“… 9 , 12 , 13 However, the same studies revealed that participants with GJH differences were equal to nonhypermobile counterparts in some aspects of strength testing. 10 , 11 One study compared hand strength between adult participants with and without GJH, finding no differences. 14 It remains unclear whether hypermobile people are less strong than others, and furthermore, whether strength training would prevent them from being injured.…”

Kinematic alterations of the ankle in subjects with generalized joint hypermobility compared with the controls: A cross-sectional study

“…Generalized joint hypermobility is characterized by abnormal range of motion of systemic joints due to relaxation of surrounding ligaments and decreased muscle strength, which is mainly affected by their race, gender, and age, and is a connective tissue hereditary disease, in addition, periarticular ligament relaxation may eventually lead to the development of arthritic pairs. 1,27 It has been found that female patients have a higher degree of joint laxity than male patients, with a prevalence approximately three times that of male patients, 5,28,29 and the symptoms of laxity gradually decrease with age in male patients, while the joint laxity gradually increases with age after 15 years in female patients. 30 In females, hormones affect the extensibility of ligaments, and the phenomenon may be caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty.…”

Assessment of lower limbs in people with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) - preliminary report

“…Moreover, there are no evidence-based strategies in the treatment of GJH. Case studies confirm the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of GJH but leave many ambiguities [14].…”