The health-related physical fitness of university female students with and without generalized joint hypermobility: A case-control study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) on health-related physical fitness. Participants: Female university students between the ages of 18-23. Methods: Cardiorespiratory fitness ((maximal cycling ergometer tests, six-minute walking tests (6MW)), respiratory function tests, respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analyses), flexibility (sit and reach tests (SRT), muscle strength and endurance (isometric and isokinetic tests) were evaluated for health-related physical fitness. Results: The mean VO2max (23.6 vs. 21.8, p=.049), MET (6.7 vs. 6.3, p=0.049), W/kg (1.6 vs. 1.5, p=0.035), and SRT scores (23.3 vs. 18.7, p=0.016) were higher in 39 students with asymptomatic GJH compared to 42 non-GJH students. No significant differences found between groups for 6MW, FVC, FEV1, MIP, MEP, body composition, muscle strength, and endurance (p>.05). Conclusion: Females with generalized joint hypermobility have the same or even higher levels of physical fitness capacity as those without the hypermobility.