Abstract
Objectives
The primary aim was to determine the association between sagittal cervical mobility and the presence and extent of GJH across the lifespan. Secondary aims were to determine which features explain variability in cervical range of motion (CROM) and to establish the sagittal cervical hypermobile range in both genders across the lifespan.
Design
Cross-sectional observational study. Spearman’s rho determined the relationship between presence and extent of GJH and CROM, age, gender and ethnicity. Multiple regression identified the factors explaining variability in CROM. The hypermobile CROM was identified as the upper 5% of flexion, extension and combined ranges for age and gender.
Setting
University laboratory in Sydney Australia.
Participants
One thousand healthy individuals, aged 3–101 years.
Outcome measures
Cervical active range of motion was assessed using an inclinometer, extent of and presence of generalised joint hypermobility were assessed using the Beighton scoring system and age- and gender-specific criteria respectively.
Results
CROM correlated positively with GJH (Beighton score as a continuous or dichotomous age and gender specific variable) (rho = 0.12–0.50; p < 0.001) and negatively with age (rho = 0.54; p < 0.001). Age, gender and extent of GJH (Beighton as a continuous score) accounted for 19 to 51% of variability in CROM. Cut-offs for cervical hypermobility were calculated across the lifespan.
Conclusions
Increased sagittal CROM was observed in individuals identified with GJH. Extension CROM decreased with age more than flexion; the greatest loss in the second and third decades. CROM screening is warranted for patients identified with GJH and for rehabilitation goal-setting.