The Effect of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome on Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness and Recovery Time

The Effect of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome on Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness and Recovery Time

The purpose of the study is to investigate Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) and its effect on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery time. The hypothesis is that people with JHS will experience increased DOMS when compared to non-hypermobile people. The results this study may assist and add to the body of knowledge when treating and exercising patients with JHS, as considerations can possibly be made when treating this population. Subjects with JHS may experience greater DOMS and require more time to recover between treatment sessions.

The research design will be a 2x5 factorial design. There will be two groups, an experimental group with hypermobile individuals, and a control group with individuals that are not hypermobile with normal ranges of motion. All participants will take part in an exercise session with eccentric bicep curls based on their 1 repetition maximum (1-RM), which is the highest amount of weight that they can lift concentrically once. The independent variables are the two groups and the dependent variables are girth, resting arm angle (RANG), Pain 1-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire, and pressure pain threshold using an algometer. The proposed study will include 20 participants between the ages of 18-35 years old, who exercise recreationally. Both groups will perform 1 set of standing eccentric bicep curls based on their 1RM to failure in order to induce DOMS.7 Each rep will include a timed 5 second long eccentric component with a metronome and without an concentric component, as the research conductors will lift the weight up or concentrically for the participant. The exercise will stop when the participant cannot volitionally keep up with the 5 second count lowering the weight. Prior to exercise, baseline measurements will be taken for all dependent variables. These measures will be taken every day at the same time of day,for the next 4 days. Girth is the measurement of the circumference of a limb measuring swelling, which commonly occurs during DOMS.7 Resting Arm Angle (RANG) is a range of motion (ROM) measurement of the arm while resting.The VAS is a simple pain scale ranging from 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain the participant has felt..The McGill Pain Questionnaire is a questionnaire that allows the participant to rate their pain'.7 Lastly, the pressure pain threshold using an algometer is done by applying continuous ascending pressure at a constant rate in order to quantify the individuals pain pressure threshold.The change in measurements from baseline to post exercise will be recorded for subsequent data analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age range: 18-35 years
2. Good overall health
3. Regularly participate in recreational exercise
4. 10 subjects with normal ranges of motion (score of <4 on Beighton Scale), 10 subjects with increased ranges of motion (score of >4 on Beighton Scale AND hypermobile in the elbow)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals with Ehler-Danlos Syndrome.
2. Any major musculoskeletal injuries in the last 6 months.
3. Any recent traumas that could lead to acute hypermobility or instabilities
4. Any known disorders that impede recovery/healing time (i.e. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma).
5. Any other health issues that would risk the safety of the subject.