Association between generalized joint laxity and knee joint movement in female university students

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the association between generalized joint laxity and knee joint movement in female university students. [Participants and Methods] The study included 21 female university students. Generalized joint laxity was measured using the Beighton criteria for joint hypermobility. Acceleration and angular velocities of the tibia during knee extension were measured along three axes using a triaxial accelerometer. Sampling data were expressed as root mean squares. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences in the acceleration and angular velocities along each axis between the generalized joint laxity and non-generalized joint laxity groups. Spearman's rank correlations were used to confirm the association between these parameters. [Results] The rotational angular velocity was greater in the generalized joint laxity than in the non-generalized joint laxity group, and we observed a significant correlation between Beighton scores and the X-axis angular velocity. Furthermore, rotational angular velocity was positively correlated with anterior-posterior acceleration and extension angular velocity. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that rotational angular velocity of the tibia during knee extension is associated with generalized joint laxity in female university students.