Prevalence of Generalised Joint Hypermobility, Artralgia and Motor Competence in 10-year old school children

Objectives: Diverging results exist for children regarding the relation between generalized joint hypermobility
(GJH) and musculoskeletal complaints, as well as relations between GJH and insufficient motor
development, and/or reduced physical activity level. The main purposes were to (1) survey the
prevalence of GJH and of benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) in 10-year-old children, (2)
compare children with and without GJH and BJHS regarding motor competence, physical activity, and
musculoskeletal pain and injuries.
Subjects and methods: All fourth-grade children in a Copenhagen municipality were invited to be clinically
examined and tested for motor competence, and to answer a questionnaire about musculoskeletal pain,
injuries, and physical activity.
Results: The final cohort comprised 315 Caucasian children, 50.5% girls and 54% boys. GJH prevalence was
35.6, 16.8, or 11.1%, depending on GJH cut level 4, 5, or 6, without significant motor competence difference
between non-GJH and GJH children. Girls with GJH6 compared to non-GJH6 had insignificantly higher
vertical jump height, and boys with GJH6 significantly shorter hand reaction time. In total, 108 Caucasian
children answered the questionnaire, 56.5% girls and 43.5% boys. Nineteen fulfilled the criterion for BJHS,
without difference in frequency of musculoskeletal pain and injuries, motor competence tests or physical
activity compared with non-BJHS.
Conclusion: GJH prevalence in this cohort is comparable to previous results. Increased pain or frequency of
injures were not related to GJH. Children with GJH6 performed better in motor competence tests.
Longitudinal studies are recommended to detect influences of GJH on the musculoskeletal system over time.