Motor Performance in Children with Generalized Hypermobility: The Influence of Muscle Strength and Exercise Capacity

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether muscle strength and functional exercise capacity (FEC) influence motor performance in children with generalized joint hypermobility.

METHODS: Forty-one children (mean age: 8.1 years) with symptomatic generalized hypermobility were included. Motor performance was assessed using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Muscle strength and FEC were measured with a handheld dynamometer and the 6-minute walk test.

RESULTS: Only muscle strength was significantly positively associated with motor performance on the KTK. FEC was significantly decreased. Children's scores on the KTK were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared with scores on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children.

CONCLUSIONS: The KTK is a more sensitive tool for detecting motor problems in children with generalized joint hypermobility, but is not associated with FEC. Along with the KTK, the 6-minute walk test can be used to independently assess and evaluate FEC.