title: The association between generalized joint hypermobility and active horizontal shoulder abduction in 10-15 year old competitive swimmers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Increased shoulder mobility and Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) are assumed to be predisposing risk factors for shoulder injuries. The association between GJH and shoulder mobility among competitive swimmers is unknown. The aim was to study the association between GJH and active horizontal shoulder abduction (AHSA) in young, competitive swimmers and to describe normative values of AHSA in this group.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 92 swimmers (10-15 years) without shoulder pain participated. GJH was evaluated with the Beighton Tests (BT) for joint hypermobility. Shoulder mobility was measured as maximum AHSA. A multiple regression model was used to assess associations between GJH and AHSA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, positive associations were found between GJH and AHSA. An increase of BT score was associated with an increase of AHSA, seen as an increased AHSA of 3.9°, 5.7° and 7.9° by BT cut off points ≥5/9, ≥6/9 and ≥7/9, respectively. Normative values for AHSA ranged from 40° to 52°, depending on age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Positive associations were found between GJH and AHSA, as maximum AHSA range increased with increasing BT scores. Due to lack of shoulder mobility tests in the BT scoring system, the AHSA test seems to be a promising supplemental test.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark ; Health Sciences Research Centre, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark ; Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Junge
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Research Centre, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark ; Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Henriksen
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: Heidi Lund
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: Linette Dyg
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Byskov
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: Hans Kromann
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark ; Institute of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Radiography, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Birgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Juul-Kristensen
keywords: Active horizontal shoulder abduction; Competitive swimmers; Generalized joint hypermobility; Shoulder injuries