Evaluation of Balance and Physical Performance Under Dual Task Conditions in Individuals With and Without Generalized Joint Hypermobility

Evaluation of Balance and Physical Performance Under Dual Task Conditions in Individuals With and Without Generalized Joint Hypermobility

This study aims to evaluate balance and physical performance under dual task conditions in individuals with and without Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH), as determined by the Beighton score. All participants will undergo the One-Leg Stance Test and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test under both single-task (balance only) and dual-task (simultaneous cognitive task) conditions. The cognitive task will involve counting backward by sevens from a given number. Participants will also complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test under both single- and dual-task conditions. Additionally, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be used for comprehensive balance assessment. Balance confidence will be evaluated using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-16), and fear of falling will be assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Changes in performance under dual-task conditions will be expressed as a percentage using the Dual Task Cost (DTC) formula

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 40 years
• A Beighton score of 4 or higher (indicative of Generalized Joint Hypermobility)
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Younger than 18 or older than 40 years
• Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy)
• History of vestibular system disorders (e.g., benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis)
• History of orthopedic conditions affecting the lower extremities (e.g., fracture, joint replacement, ligament injury)
• Cognitive impairment preventing the execution of cognitive tasks
• Diagnosis of systemic musculoskeletal diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
• Pregnancy
• Participation in balance training or neurological/physiotherapy programs within the last 6 months