Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Prevalence and Association of Generalized Joint Hypermobility in Children with Functional Neurological Disorder: A
Jana Landa1,2, Karin Mashevich3, Etzyona Eisenstein1
1Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Insights
Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is common in children with functional neurological disorder (FND). GJH correlates with increased symptom severity and motor involvement, suggesting it may be a vulnerability factor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Functional neurological disorder (FND) has complex, multifactorial causes.
- Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a potential contributing factor in FND.
- Understanding GJH prevalence and its impact in pediatric FND is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of GJH in children diagnosed with FND.
- To investigate the association between GJH and FND severity, activity levels, and participation.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-three children with FND (mean age 14.2 years) were assessed.
- GJH was measured using the Beighton score.
- FND severity was evaluated using the CSSI-24, limb involvement, and post-walk pain.
Main Results:
- GJH was present in 43% (Beighton ≥4) and 24% (Beighton ≥6) of participants.
- Higher Beighton scores correlated with increased CSSI-24 scores and more limbs affected.
- A positive association was found between Beighton score and pain after the 6-minute walk test.
Conclusions:
- GJH is highly prevalent in pediatric FND, even at stricter thresholds.
- GJH is linked to greater symptom severity and motor involvement.
- GJH may be a somatic vulnerability factor in FND, guiding individualized treatment approaches.
Aims:
Functional neurological disorder (FND) etiology is multifactorial. This study aimed to examine: (1) generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) prevalence in children diagnosed with FND and (2) the association between GJH and FND severity, activity level, and participation.
Methods:
Participated in this study 53 children with FND (mean age 14.2 ± 2.7 years; 73.6% female). GJH was assessed using the Beighton score. FND severity was evaluated with the 24-item Children's Somatic Symptoms Inventory (CSSI-24), number of limbs affected, and pain following the six-minute walk test (6MWT).
Results:
GJH was identified in 43% (Beighton ≥4) and 24% (Beighton ≥6) of participants. Elbow hyperextension was the most common feature (56.6%). The total Beighton score was independently associated with CSSI-24 (R2=.25, p<.01) and with the number of limbs involved (R2=.15, p<.01). A positive association was observed between Beighton score and pain post-6MWT.
Conclusion:
Regardless of the Beighton cutoff used, GJH prevalence remained high, with at least 1 in 4 participants presenting GJH even at the strictest threshold (≥6). GJH was associated with increased CSSI-24 and motor involvement. These findings suggest that GJH may represent a somatic vulnerability factor within the biopsychosocial model of FND. Routine assessment could help identify meaningful subgroups and guide individualized treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...