Do people with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) have reduced joint proprioception? A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Rheumatology international 2013-11, Vol.33 (11), p.2709-2716
• Main Authors: Smith, Toby O., Jerman, Emma, Easton, Victoria, Bacon, Holly, Armon, Kate, Poland, Fiona, Macgregor, Alex J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Humans; Joint Instability - physiopathology; Joints - physiopathology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Proprioception - physiology; Review; Rheumatology; Syndrome
• ISSN: 0172-8172; 1437-160X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00296-013-2790-4

Joint proprioceptive deficit is documented in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, ligament and meniscal injuries, and individuals with increased joint hypermobility, such as those with Ehlers–Danlos. No systematic reviews have assessed joint proprioception in people with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS). This study addresses this to determine whether people with BJHS exhibit reduced joint proprioception, and, if so, whether this is evident in all age groups. The search strategy was conducted on 31st January 2013. The published literature was assessed using the databases: AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Unpublished literature and trial registries were assessed including: OpenGrey, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Current Controlled Trials, the UK National Research Register Archive. All studies comparing the proprioceptive capability of people with and without BJHS were included. Study methodological quality was assessed using the CASP appraisal tool. Meta-analysis techniques were used when study homogeneity permitted. Five studies including 254 people were identified. People with BJHS demonstrated statistically significantly poorer lower limb joint position sense (JPS) ( p