Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Renee Mabey

Keywords

Joint Instability; Musculoskeletal System -- injuries

Abstract

Joint hyperlaxity is a condition characterized by excessive range of motion in joints. Generalized joint hyperlaxity has been associated with musculoskeletal pain. In addition, hyperlaxity has been linked to greater incidences of injury in the high level athlete. However, there is no published data available to assess if hyperlaxity places the general population at a greater risk of incurring musculoskeletal injury.

This study researched the association of generalized joint hyperlaxity and occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in the non-athlete. Subjects were 55 volunteers from a pool of physical therapy students. The subjects completed a survey indicating activity level and injury history. The Beighton test for generalized joint hyperlaxity was used to determine subject laxity status.

Results indicated a greater trend for the occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in hyperlax individuals (91 %) as opposed to normal laxity individuals (79%). Implications of this finding are that an injury prevention program may be beneficial for the hyperlax individual in the general population.

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