Prevalence of hypermobility among elementary students in aydin city center

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is determining the prevalence of hypermobility among elementary students in Aydın city center during period of May 2009-June 2010.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1515 elementary students (781 females and 734 males) who were chosen according to multi-stage cluster sampling. They were evaluated for hypermobility according to Beighton criteria. The students with Beighton score ? 4 accepted as hypermobile.RESULTS: In the study among elementary students in the center of Aydin, the prevalence of hypermobility is calculated as 27,1%. The average score of Beighton is 2.11±2.50. Results of the study show that the rate of hypermobility is 27,5% for females and 26,7% for males. There is no significant correlation between gender and the prevalence of hypermobility. The average Beighton score of the children 10 and under 10 years of age is found 2.69 ± 2.74, and the mean score of the children 11 and over 11 years of age is found 1.56 ± 2.12. There was a significant negative correlation is found between age and Beighton score. Results of the study show that the areas where hypermobility is found the most are, wrists (93,9%), 5.MKF s (87,1%), elbows (80,3%), knees (34,1%) and lumbar area (8%) respectively.CONCLUSION: There are limited studies that determine the prevalence of hypermobility among children in our country. More comprehensive studies are needed in this field. As hypermobility provides basis for musculoskeletal system problems, awareness and actuality about hypermobility should be encouraged.KEY WORDS:Hipermobility , prevalance, Beighton score,