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Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Its Relationship to Injury Patterns Among NCAA Lacrosse Players
L C Decoster1, J N Bernier, R H Lindsay
1HealthSouth/New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, Manchester, NH.
Journal of Athletic Training
|March 25, 2006
Summary
This study found no significant difference in overall injury rates between hypermobile and nonhypermobile NCAA athletes. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and athletic injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Physiology
Background:
- Generalized joint hypermobility is a condition affecting connective tissue, potentially influencing injury risk.
- Previous research suggests a link between hypermobility and joint complaints in the general population.
- The specific impact of hypermobility on injury patterns in collegiate athletes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare injury incidence and types between hypermobile and nonhypermobile NCAA athletes.
- To investigate the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility in collegiate lacrosse players.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 310 NCAA lacrosse athletes over one season.
- Generalized joint hypermobility assessed using the Carter and Wilkinson technique (modified by Beighton et al.).
- Injuries, practice hours, and game participation were prospectively recorded by certified athletic trainers.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of hypermobility was 23.8% (13.6% in men, 33.1% in women).
- No significant difference in overall injury rate per 1000 hours between hypermobile (2.29) and nonhypermobile (3.54) athletes.
- Nonhypermobile athletes had a higher rate of contact injuries (1.38 vs. 0.52 per 1000 hours); hypermobile athletes showed an increased rate of ankle injuries.
Conclusions:
- This study did not find a difference in overall injury rates between hypermobile and nonhypermobile NCAA athletes.
- The findings contrast with evidence linking hypermobility to joint complaints in non-athletic populations.
- Further investigation is warranted to definitively establish the relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and athletic injury risk.
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