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Low-Load Plyometric Training to Improve Running in Children With Generalised Joint Hypermobility: A Single Subject
Annie Chappell1,2,3, Devinda Dissanayake1, Ceci Ho1
1School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
Insights
This study investigated a plyometric intervention for children with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH). The intervention showed positive trends in running performance and participation, and significantly reduced kinesiophobia in most participants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physiotherapy
- Movement science
- Clinical orthopedics
Background:
- Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) affects children's physical function and participation.
- Kinesiophobia, the fear of movement, can be a significant barrier for children with GJH.
- Objective assessment of interventions for GJH is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an individualized low-load plyometric program on running performance in children with GJH.
- To assess the intervention's effect on physical activity participation and kinesiophobia.
- To determine changes in pain and fatigue levels associated with the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A single-subject research design was employed, including baseline, intervention, withdrawal, and follow-up phases.
- Participants with GJH (Beighton score ≥6/9) completed 10 weeks of supervised plyometric training and a home program.
- Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) was the primary outcome, with secondary measures including kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale) and pain/fatigue (VAS).
Main Results:
- Positive trends were observed in 5 out of 24 GAS goals related to running performance, physical activity, and participation.
- Six participants experienced clinically significant reductions in kinesiophobia.
- No significant trends were found for pain or fatigue levels during the intervention.
Conclusions:
- The plyometric intervention demonstrated potential benefits for running performance, physical activity, and participation in children with GJH.
- The intervention was effective in reducing kinesiophobia in a majority of participants.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings.
Aim:
Investigate the effect of an intervention for children with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (pgGJH) on running performance, participation, and kinesiophobia.
Methods:
Single subject research design with baseline (usual care, 4-6 weeks), intervention (10 weeks), withdrawal (usual care, 6 weeks) and a six-month follow-up. Children with a Beighton score ≥6/9 undertook an individualized low-load plyometric program of 10 once/week group sessions, and a home program. The primary outcome measure was Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Secondary measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and fatigue, leg stiffness, Muscle Power Sprint Test, Lower Extremity Grading System, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, actigraphy and KIDSCREEN-10. Data were analyzed visually, Tau-u was calculated to confirm observed trends in GAS and VAS.
Results:
Eight participants (mean age 11 years 6 months (standard deviation 2 years 2 months), male n = 6) were recruited. 5/24 goals for running-related performance, physical activity and participation had upward trends in the intervention phase (p = .04, p < .01, p = .03, p = .01 and p = .03) and one had a downward trend (p = .03). Six participants had clinically significant reductions in kinesiophobia at withdrawal. No trends were observed in pain or fatigue (pain p = .08-.94; fatigue p = .09-.71). Other results were variable.
Conclusions:
Outcomes for running performance, physical activity, and participation varied among children; 6 had reduced kinesiophobia.
