Investigating the effects of plyometric activity and fatigue on plantar pressure values in individuals with hypermobility syndrome

Objective: Joint hypermobility syndrome is a clinical condition which is characterized by abnormal loading in joints. The aim of this study was to investigate plantar pressure parameters before and after creating muscle fatigue with plyometric activity in individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome. Method: Sixty-eight volunteers with age between 19-28 were included in this study. Individuals diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome by using Brighton Criteria formed hypermobile group (n=34) where those who do not formed non-hypermobile control group (n=34). Plantar pressure assessments were conducted by using Tekscan MatScan Pressure Mat System computerized plantar pressure assessment device. Assessments were conducted with the following order: static upright standing, drop from stair with 20 cm and 40 cm height. Following aforementioned assessments fatigue was created by using pliometric activity (depth jump). After creating fatigue assessments of stair drop from 20 cm and 40 cm were perfomed again. Results: According to results there was also no significant difference in any parameter in any condition between two groups (p>0,05). However in-group results indicate that there is significant difference in the end of 20 and 40 cm height stair drop activity after fatigue in both feet peak pressure in addition to sway velocity, variance of center of force parameters (p<0,05). Conclusion: It was observed that individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome indicate similar patterns to those in control group before and after fatigue. It would be beneficial to investigate the effect of joint hypermobility on balance in joint level. Key Words: Joint hypermobility syndrome, generalized joint hypermobility, plantar pressure, fatigue, Beighton Scoring, Brighton Criteria