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A study of joint mobility in a normal population
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|September 25, 1999
Summary
This study investigated joint hypermobility in Singapore, finding a prevalence of 17% in adults aged 15-39. Joint mobility decreased with age and varied across genders and ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Human Biology
Background:
- Joint hypermobility is understudied in Southeast Asia.
- Previous research predominantly originates from Western populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the joint mobility profile in a Singaporean population sample.
- To establish the prevalence of joint hypermobility among healthy individuals in Singapore.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 306 subjects aged 15-39 from Singapore's major ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians) participated.
- Joint mobility was assessed using the modified Carter and Wilkinson criteria (Beighton et al.).
- Sample demographics reflected the 1990 Singapore census data.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of joint hypermobility was found to be 17%.
- Joint mobility demonstrated a decline with increasing age.
- Females exhibited higher joint mobility than males across all age groups.
- Malays showed the highest joint mobility, followed by Indians, then Chinese.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comprehensive data on joint hypermobility in Singapore.
- Age, sex, and ethnicity are significant factors influencing joint mobility in this population.
- Findings highlight the need for further research into ethnic variations in joint hypermobility.