Motor performance in children with generalized hypermobility: the influence of muscle strength and exercise capacity.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Hanewinkel-van Kleef
Yvonne B
YB
yhanewinkel@chello.nl
Helders
Paul J M
PJ
Takken
Tim
T
Engelbert
Raoul H
RH
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular