HYPERMOBILITY AS MEASURED BY THE BEIGHTON HYPERMOBILITY TEST IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN YOUNG ADULTS

摘要

Purpose: Past literature has suggested that benign joint hypermobility is related to reduced strength, reduced proprioception and greater risk of musculoskeletal injury. This study aimed to determine any relationship between benign joint hypermobility and hand grip strength in young adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 adults aged 18—35 were tested for joint hypermobility using the nine-point Beighton Hypermobility Criteria. Their hand grip strength was also tested using a dynamometer. To achieve 0.8 power and < 0.05 significance, 120 participants were required. Results: The results determined that benign joint hypermobility and hand grip strength were not related. Many participants demonstrated hypermobility in joints other than those tested by the Beighton criteria. Conclusion: Benign joint hypermobility, according to the Beighton criteria, and hand grip strength were not related. Hypermobility of the shoulders and interphalangeal joints were not assessed, and these joints may be hypermobile even when an individual's results are negative by the Beighton criteria.