The Beighton score as a predictor of Brighton criteria in sport and dance

To determine the efficacy of using the Beighton joint hypermobility score as a predictor of Brighton criteria components, considering the influence of gender and sports participation.

Cross sectional study design.

A University.

Sixty-five female rugby players, 38 male rugby players, 61 netball players, 42 female dancers, 40 male controls and 40 female controls.

The Beighton score was assessed using the Beighton and Horan Joint Mobility Index. The Brighton criteria was used to assess joint hypermobility syndrome. A binary logistic regression was performed for a pooled sample (n = 286), and subsequently for gender and sport to assess the Beighton score as a predictor of Brighton criteria.

Beighton scores were found to be a predictor of arthralgia (P = 0.002), dislocation and subluxation (P = 0.048) in the pooled analysis; a predictor of dislocation and subluxation (P = 0.047) in males and arthralgia (P = 0.001) in females. Beighton scores were a predictor of arthralgia in female rugby (P = 0.003) and in female controls (P = 0.012).

The potential of the Beighton score to predict joint arthralgia and dislocation/subluxation may allow clinicians to implement effective injury prevention strategies.