The relationship between benign joint hypermobility syndrome and developmental coordination disorders in children

Introduction: Benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) is a common heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by excessive joint flexibility and musculoskeletal pain. In childhood, BJHS has been linked clinically with disorders of motor control, however the association remains poorly characterized and the extent to which this reflects developmental variation remains uncertain Aims: This study examines data from an interventional study of BJHS in childhood to assess the relationship between joint hypermobility and motor control Method: The study subjects included 117 children between the ages of 5 and 16 years. All had documented joint hypermobility (assessed by a paediatric rheumatologist) and musculoskeletal pain. Motor ability was assessed using the norm-referenced Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC). The M-ABC includes tests for manual dexterity, ball skills and balance. Children with age-corrected scores falling below the 15th percentile were defined as having movement difficulty. Results: Among the children with BJHS that were assessed, 32% scored 15 percentile on the M-ABC (P < 0.001). The prevalence of movement difficulty was higher in younger when compared with older children with BJHS (5 to 8 years = 41%; 9 to 12 years: 29%; 13 to 16: 19%). Movement difficulty was more common in males (40%) than females (25%). There was no association with the extent of hypermobility as assessed on the Beighton score or with the level of pain as assessed by VAS.