Joint mobility among university students in Iraq

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Joint hypermobility is a condition characterized by an unusually large range of motion in joints.
• Its prevalence and associated factors require investigation in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility in Iraqi university students.
• To explore correlations between joint hypermobility and various physical and health complaints.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted on 1774 university students aged 20-24 years in Iraq.
• Joint hypermobility was assessed using Beighton's modification of the Carter and Wilkinson scoring system (0-9 scale).
• Hypermobility was defined as a score of 4 or greater.

Main Results:

• Joint hypermobility was found in 25.4% of males and 38.5% of females.
• Higher hypermobility scores (≥7) correlated significantly with joint complaints, ligamentous sprains, flat feet, Raynaud's phenomenon, easy bruising, high palate, and varicose veins.
• The right side of the body was significantly less mobile than the left side.

Conclusions:

• Joint hypermobility is prevalent among Iraqi university students, with a higher prevalence in females.
• Specific musculoskeletal and vascular conditions are associated with increased joint hypermobility.
• Asymmetry in joint mobility between the left and right sides was observed.