Abstract
BackgroundExisting measures of generalized joint hypermobility do not include commonly affected upper limb joints. ObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability of a novel clinically-applicable measure of upper limb joint mobility, its ability to discriminate between varying extents of hypermobility, identify generalized joint hypermobility, and to establish a cut-point for hypermobility classification. DesignValidation of a diagnostic tool. MethodParticipants were sought from three groups - healthy controls, likely and known hypermobiles, and assessed using the Upper Limb Hypermobility Assessment Tool (ULHAT), Beighton score and clinical opinion. Pearson's correlation coefficient examined individual group and whole cohort relationships between upper limb hypermobility, age, gender and ethnicity. MANOVA investigated between-group differences in ULHAT scores. Median interquartile ranges and ROC Curve analysis identified the cut-off score for identification of upper limb hypermobility. Percent agreement with clinical opinion assessed the ability of the ULHAT to identify generalized joint hypermobility. Results112 adult participants (mean age 24.3 ± 5.5years) across the three groups were assessed. Inter-rater reliability of the tool was high (ICC2,1 = 0.92). The cut-point was established at ≥7/12 (sensitivity 0.84, specificity 0.77, +LR 3.7, -LR 0.2). Upper limb hypermobility did not vary with age or ethnicity (both p > 0.12), but was greater in females (p < 0.001). The ULHAT discriminated between the three groups and identified generalized hypermobility. ConclusionsThe 12-item ULHAT measures mobility of multiple upper limb joints in all movement planes. Using a cut-off of ≥7/12 in adults, the ULHAT is a reliable and valid tool for identifying upper limb hypermobility and generalized joint hypermobility.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.