To Assess the Prevalence of Generalised Hypermobility in School Children of Dharwad (urban), Karnataka

Objectives: The term generalised joint hypermobility indicates that the range of motion in general is increased compared with the mean range of motion of the general population. Generalised joint hypermobility is claimed to be present in 5-15% of general population. Children possess an inherently greater range of motion in their joints than adults, with a gradual reduction in this range observed with age. This study was done to assess the prevalence of generalized hypermobility in 6-12 years aged school children of Dharwad (Urban).

Design: Cross sectional study

Methods: 420 healthy children were evaluated using Beighton score. Passive extension of fifth finger (>90º), passive apposition of thumb to forearm, active extension of elbow and knee (>10º) and anterior trunk flexion placing flat hand on ground were assessed. One point was scored for each positive result (maximum: 9). Scores>4 were considered to be generalised hypermobility. The data were evaluated statistically using SPSS 16.0 version statistical software and results were obtained.

Results: Generalised hypermobility was found to be 34.29% of the children. Hypermobility was more among girls (35.12%) than boys (33.73%). Hypermobility was 41.94% in the age group of 6-6.11 years, 30% in 7-7.11 years of age group, 26.23% in 8-8.11 years of age group, 18.97% in 9-9.11 years of age group, 54.84% in 10-10.11 years of age group, 38.60% in 11-11.11 years of age group and 33.33% in 12 years of age group.

Conclusion: The prevalence of generalised hypermobility was 34.29% in 6-12 years school children of Dharwad (Urban).