Postural balance control in women with generalized joint laxity

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Joint laxity, or hypermobility, is a common condition affecting connective tissues.
• Postural balance is crucial for everyday activities and athletic performance.
• Understanding the link between hypermobility and balance is key to injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between joint laxity and postural balance.
• To assess postural control in individuals with varying degrees of hypermobility.
• To utilize tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax®) for precise balance measurements.

Main Methods:

• 69 healthy volunteers were categorized into non-hypermobile, mildly hypermobile, and severely hypermobile groups based on Beighton-Horan scores.
• Postural control was assessed using the Tetrax® device in eight distinct positions.
• Key metrics recorded included stability index, Fourier index, weight distribution index, and synchronization index.

Main Results:

• Severely hypermobile participants demonstrated significantly higher stability index scores with head extension and right rotation.
• Impaired weight distribution on elastic surfaces was noted in both non-hypermobile and severely hypermobile groups.
• Higher Fourier Index scores at 0.5-1 Hz were observed in individuals with severe hypermobility.

Conclusions:

• Severe hypermobility is associated with reduced postural stability, especially in specific head positions.
• This postural deficit may elevate the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in sports involving head extension and rotation.
• Further research can explore targeted interventions to improve balance in hypermobile populations.