Comparison of hypermobility between boys and girls aged 6-12 year

Abstract

Objectives: Generalised hypermobility is said to be present when the joints are unduly lax and range of motion (ROM) is in excess to the accepted norm in most of the joints. Generalised joint hypermobility is claimed to be present in 5-15% of general population. It is slightly more frequent among girls or women than boys or men. This study was done to compare the hypermobility between boys and girls aged 6–12 years. Design: Cross sectional study Methods: 420 healthy children were evaluated for hypermobility using Beighton score. One point was scored for each positive result (maximum: 9). Scores>4 were considered to be generalised hypermobility. The total number of boys and girls who were hypermobile was calculated. Then, the data was evaluated statistically using SPSS 16.0 version statistical software and results were obtained. Results: The result showed that the prevalence of hypermobility was more in girls (35.12%) than boys (33.73%), though the hypermobility score was higher in boys. The total prevalence of hypermobility was found to be 34.29% in children aged 6-12 years. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypermobility was more among girls than boys aged 6-12 years, though the hypermobility score was higher in boys.