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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Expression Analysis of Mammalian Linker-histone Subtypes
Published on: March 19, 2012
Two subtypes of symptomatic joint hypermobility: a descriptive study using latent class analysis
Francesco Di Mattia1, Robyn Fary1, Kevin J Murray2
1School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Insights
This study identified two distinct subgroups of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility: athletic-persistent and systemic-profound. These findings aid in understanding and managing hypermobility in pediatric rheumatology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Clinical Genetics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Symptomatic joint hypermobility in children presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Understanding distinct clinical phenotypes is crucial for effective management.
- Previous research has not clearly delineated subgroups within this pediatric cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and identify distinct subgroups within a cohort of children experiencing symptomatic joint hypermobility.
- To analyze clinical presentations, medical history, psychosocial factors, and physical examination findings.
- To inform clinical decision-making and management strategies for pediatric hypermobility.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes for 318 children with joint hypermobility.
- Latent class analysis utilizing seven key extracted variables.
- Identification of subgroups based on clinical presentation, medical history, and examination findings.
Main Results:
- Two distinct subgroups were identified: 'athletic-persistent' (62%) and 'systemic-profound' (38%).
- The 'athletic-persistent' group exhibited recurrent musculoskeletal pain and less severe hypermobility.
- The 'systemic-profound' group presented with generalized hypermobility, pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and motor delay.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms two distinct clinical presentations in children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.
- These findings have significant implications for tailored clinical management and treatment approaches.
- Further research into these subgroups may optimize patient outcomes in pediatric rheumatology.
Objective:
To investigate a cohort of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.
Methods:
Case notes for 318 children with joint hypermobility attending a rheumatology clinic were reviewed for clinical presentation, medical history, psychosocial factors and physical examination findings. Seven key variables were extracted and used as indicator variables in a latent class analysis to estimate the presence and number of subgroups of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.
Results:
Two subgroups with differing clinical presentations were identified accounting for age and gender: an 'athletic-persistent' class (62%) characterised by higher probabilities for recurrent and chronic musculoskeletal pain, and less severe hypermobility; and a 'systemic-profound' class (38%) characterised by generalised hypermobility, recurrent musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux and motor delay.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest the presence of two distinct presentations of children with hypermobility. This finding may be important for clinical decision-making and management of this group of children.
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