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Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin 2021; 31(04): 256-261
DOI: 10.1055/a-1213-7005
Original Article

The Prevalence of Joint Hypermobility among High School and University Students

Die Prävalenz der Gelenkhypermobilität bei Highschool Schülern und Studenten
Muhammad Kashif 
1   Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
,
Abdulaziz Aoudh Albalwi
2   Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
,
Nisar Fatima
1   Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
,
Nasreen Fatima
1   Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Abstract

Background Joint hypermobility (JH) prevails worldwide, especially in children and females, although its consequences have been neglected and understated by health care practitioners. JH can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, which can have serious negative effects on a person’s health. This topic has not been sufficiently studied in Pakistan so this study will help in filling the gap.

Objective This study aims to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic joint hypermobility, among high school and university students, at 2 institutions in Pakistan.

Methodology A total of 1,749 students, with an average age of 16.96 (range 14–26), who studied at Dar e Arqam School or Riphah International University in Faisalabad were examined. The Beighton criteria system was used to determine the prevalence of JH on the basis of minor criteria for hypermobility (1/9–3/9 joints, indicating localized and peripheral hypermobility) and major criteria (4/9 joints or above 4 joints, indicating generalized hypermobility).

Results The results showed that the prevalence of JH in female students studying in high school was 61.9%, and in female university students, the prevalence was 58.4%. Minor hypermobility was most common among university students in their 5th to 8th semester (60.3%), while major hypermobility occurred most frequently in high school students of 9th grade (80.1%). In addition, the results of the study established that joint hypermobility was most common in the elbow joint on the right side: 673 (94.7%) male and 1,002 (96.5%) female students.

Conclusion The prevalence of common hypermobility, especially generalized hypermobility, was high among female high school students compared to university students, and hypermobility in the right trunk and elbow joint was more common compared to other joints.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Es besteht eine weltweite Prävalenz der Gelenkhypermobilität (GH), wobei v. a. Kinder und Frauen betroffen sind. Die Folgen einer GH wurden jedoch von Ärzten und Mitarbeitern im Gesundheitswesen vernachlässigt und unterschätzt. GH kann zu Verletzungen des Bewegungsapparates führen, was schwerwiegende Folgen für die Gesundheit der betroffenen Person haben kann. Diese Thematik ist in Pakistan nicht ausreichend untersucht worden, sodass diese Studie dazu beiträgt, diese Lücke zu schließen.

Zielsetzung Mit dieser Studie sollte die Prävalenz asymptomatischer Gelenkhypermobilität unter Schülern und Studierenden an 2 Institutionen in Pakistan bestimmt werden.

Methodik Insgesamt wurden 1749 Schüler und Studierende mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 16,96 Jahren (Alter von 14–26 Jahren) untersucht, die an der Dar e Arqam School oder der Riphah International University in Faisalabad eingeschrieben waren. Zur Bestimmung der Prävalenz der GH wurden die Beighton-Kriterien angewandt, basierend auf den Nebenkriterien für Hypermobilität (1 bis 3 von 9 Gelenken sind betroffen, was auf eine lokalisierte und periphere Hypermobilität hinweist) und den Hauptkriterien (mindestens 4 von 9 Gelenken sind betroffen, was auf eine generalisierte Hypermobilität hinweist).

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Prävalenz von GH bei Schülerinnen der Highschool bei 61,9% und bei weiblichen Studierenden der Universität bei 58,4% lag. Eine leichte Hypermobilität trat am häufigsten bei Studierenden im fünften bis achten Semester auf (60,3%), während eine stärker ausgeprägte Hypermobilität am häufigsten bei Schülerinnen und Schülern der neunten Klasse auftrat (80,1%). Darüber hinaus ergaben die Ergebnisse der Studie, dass Gelenkhypermobilität am häufigsten das Ellbogengelenk der rechten Seite betraf: 673 (94,7%) der männlichen und 1002 (96,5%) der weiblichen Studienteilnehmer.

Schlussfolgerung Die Prävalenz der allgemeinen Hypermobilität, insbesondere der generalisierten Hypermobilität, war bei Schülerinnen im Vergleich zu Studierenden hoch. Die Hypermobilität betraf häufiger das rechte Rumpf- und Ellbogengelenk als andere Gelenke.

Key words

Beighton criteria - joint hypermobility - prevalence - students

Schlüsselwörter

Beighton Kriterien - Gelenkhypermobilität - Prävalenz - Studenten


Publication History

Received: 24 May 2020

Accepted: 19 June 2020

Article published online:
10 August 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 

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