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Hypermobility: prevalence and features in a Swedish population
L G Larsson1, J Baum, G S Mudholkar
1Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Unit, Monroe Community Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14620.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Hypermobility, or joint laxity, is more common in females and decreases with age in both sexes. This study examined factory workers in Sweden, mirroring a previous study of musicians in the USA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hypermobility affects a significant portion of the population.
- Previous research has explored hypermobility in specific cohorts, such as musicians.
- Understanding prevalence across different demographics is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of hypermobility in a Swedish factory worker population.
- To compare findings with a prior study of US musicians.
- To investigate the influence of sex and age on hypermobility.
Main Methods:
- A standardized protocol was used to examine 606 factory workers in Ostersund, Sweden.
- The examination focused on identifying five recognized features of hypermobility.
- Data collection mirrored an earlier study conducted on US musicians.
Main Results:
- Joint laxity was significantly more prevalent in females across both the worker and musician cohorts.
- Hypermobility prevalence decreased with increasing age in both male and female participants.
- The rate of decline in hypermobility with age was similar between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Sex and age are significant factors influencing hypermobility prevalence.
- Findings suggest a consistent pattern of hypermobility across different occupational and demographic groups.
- Further research can explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of hypermobility.