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The relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and motor development

R H H Engelbert1, F T C Kooijmans, A M H van Riet

  • 1Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy and Pediatric Exercise Physiology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands. R.Engelbert@wkz.azu.nl

Pediatric Physical Therapy : the Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
|December 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Generalized joint hypermobility in children does not correlate with motor development delays. While some children show delays, the degree of hypermobility is not a predictive factor.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a condition characterized by excessive flexibility in multiple joints.
  • Understanding the potential impact of GJH on motor development is crucial for early intervention and management.
  • Previous research has explored links between hypermobility and various developmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between the presence and extent of generalized joint hypermobility and the occurrence of motor development delays in children.
  • To determine if the degree of joint hypermobility, as measured by the Bulbena criteria, is associated with delays in motor milestones.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review was conducted on children diagnosed with GJH.
  • Two age groups were analyzed: those younger than 2.5 years (assessed with Bayley Scales of Infant Development) and those aged 4-12 years (assessed with Movement Assessment Battery for Children).
  • The Bulbena criteria were used to assess the severity of GJH.

Main Results:

  • In children under 2.5 years, motor delay was observed in 9 of 16, but no significant association with the Bulbena score was found (OR: 0.4).
  • In children aged 4-12 years, 25% had severe motor delay, 21% were at risk, and 54% were age-appropriate, with no significant association between motor delay and the Bulbena score (OR: 1.3).
  • The age of independent walking was not significantly associated with the number of hypermobile joints (Bulbena score).

Conclusions:

  • While approximately one-third of children with GJH may exhibit severe motor development delays, the extent of GJH is not significantly associated with these delays.
  • The findings suggest that other factors may contribute to motor development delays in children with GJH.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the multifactorial nature of motor development in hypermobile children.
Abstract

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