Prevelance of Hypermobility in Traditional Gymnasts and its Comparison with Normal Population

Mallakhamb, being a traditional sport, the lack of proper physio and medical care results in increased incidence of injury, It has been found that hypermobility in gymnasts is one of the components in prediction of injury. This study has been undertaken to check the prevalence of hypermobility in mallakhamb players of 8–14 years age group. Further, to compare them with normal population of same age group.

A cross sectional case control study was performed. Seventy-four mallakhamb players and age matched seventy four normal individuals of age group 8 to 14 years as control participated in this study. Beighton hypermobility score was used to measure generalised joint hypermobility in each. Comparison was done between the total scores of mallakhamb players and normal individuals.

Seventy four mallakhamb players including 37 girls and 37 boys and control group of 37 non athletic boys and 37 non athletic girls were included in the study. There was a significant difference observed in Beighton score of mallakhamb players and normal population. 29.7%(n-11) of Mallakhamb boys (M boys) presented with beighton score ≥ 4 compared to Normal boys 10.8% (n-4) (P-0.04). whereas 40.5% (n-15) of mallakhamb girls (M girls) presented with beighton score ≥ 4 compared to Normal 16.2% (n-6) (p-0.02). Trunkal component of Beighton score was maximum in all mallakhamb players (P <.001) as compared to the control group.

Our study concludes that mallakhamb players under age of 14 have more generalised hypermobility than same age normal children. There is need for early and correct diagnosis of generalised hypermobility for injury prevention. Core strengthening needs to be concentrated upon in these traditional gymnasts.