Surreal illustration of a woman balancing on interconnected joints, symbolizing hypermobility and balance.

Unlocking the Secrets of Joint Hypermobility: Can Strength and Balance Training Make a Difference?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Link Between Muscle Activity, Stability, and Joint Flexibility in Women"

Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a condition where joints are more flexible than normal. It affects people differently; some experience no issues, while others deal with pain, instability, and related complications. Often underestimated, GJH's impact can range from mild inconvenience to significantly affecting daily life. This article explores the nuances of GJH, aiming to shed light on how targeted interventions like strength and balance training can make a tangible difference, particularly for women, who are often more affected.

Understanding GJH is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms like recurrent joint dislocations, soft tissue injuries, or chronic pain. While some might dismiss hypermobility as simply being 'flexible,' it's important to recognize its potential to impact musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies are key to mitigating symptoms and improving quality of life.

This article will focus on the findings of a recent study investigating the relationship between GJH, muscle strength, balance, and muscle activation. By examining these factors in women with and without symptomatic hypermobility, we aim to provide insights into potential therapeutic approaches. Discover how understanding the connection between these elements can lead to more effective strategies for managing GJH and promoting joint stability.

Decoding the Connection: Strength, Balance, and Muscle Activity in Hypermobility

Surreal illustration of a woman balancing on interconnected joints, symbolizing hypermobility and balance.

The study aimed to uncover differences in strength, balance, and muscle activity among women with normal joint mobility, those with asymptomatic GJH, and those with symptomatic GJH. Researchers measured peak force (Fmax) and rate of force development (RFD) during isometric contractions of knee extensor and flexor muscles. Balance was assessed via force plate measurements, analyzing anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway during single-leg stance. Electromyography (EMG) was used to monitor muscle activity in key leg muscles.

Here's a breakdown of the study's methodology:

Participants: The study included 195 women: 67 with normal mobility (NM) and 128 with hypermobility (HM). The HM group was further divided into those with symptomatic (HM-s, n=56) and asymptomatic (HM-as, n=47) hypermobility.
Strength Measurement: Peak force (Fmax) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured during single-leg maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in a seated position.
Balance Assessment: Balance was assessed using a force plate to measure anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway during a 15-second single-leg stance.
Muscle Activity: Muscle activity was recorded using surface electromyography (EMG) in six leg muscles during sway measurements.

While the study found no statistically significant differences in Fmax, RFD, and postural sway between the groups, it did reveal a difference in semitendinosus muscle activity between the NM and HM groups, as well as between the NM and HM-as groups. These findings suggest that subtle variations in muscle activation patterns may exist, even when overall strength and balance appear similar.

Moving Forward: Practical Implications and Future Directions

While the study didn't find substantial differences, it highlights the complexity of GJH and the need for more sensitive assessment methods. Further research should explore more dynamic and challenging tasks to better reveal neuromuscular differences. Additionally, investigating proprioception, reflex activity, and the impact of targeted exercise interventions could provide valuable insights for managing GJH effectively. Ultimately, a personalized approach that considers individual symptoms and neuromuscular profiles is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving the lives of those with joint hypermobility.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2329-9096.1000347, Alternate LINK

Title: Aspects Of Isometric Contractions And Static Balance In Women With Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Joint Hypermobility

Subject: Building and Construction

Journal: International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Mueller Mebes Christine, Luder Gere

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH), and how does it differ from simply being 'flexible'?

Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is a condition characterized by joints that have a greater range of motion than typically considered normal. Unlike simple flexibility, GJH can come with potential health implications. These include a higher risk of joint dislocations, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain. While some individuals with GJH may experience no issues, others can face significant challenges in their daily lives, making accurate diagnosis and management essential.

How did the study measure strength, balance, and muscle activity in women with and without hypermobility?

The study utilized several methods to assess strength, balance, and muscle activity. Strength was measured by assessing peak force (Fmax) and rate of force development (RFD) during isometric contractions of knee extensor and flexor muscles. Balance was evaluated using a force plate to measure anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway during a single-leg stance. Muscle activity was monitored using electromyography (EMG) in key leg muscles.

What were the key findings regarding muscle activity differences between the groups?

The study revealed differences in semitendinosus muscle activity between the normal mobility (NM) and hypermobility (HM) groups, and also between the NM and asymptomatic hypermobility (HM-as) groups. This finding suggests that subtle variations in muscle activation patterns may exist in individuals with hypermobility, even when overall strength and balance measurements appear similar. These differences highlight the complexity of GJH and the need for sensitive assessment methods.

Were there any statistically significant differences in strength and balance between the groups, and what do these findings imply?

The study found no statistically significant differences in peak force (Fmax), rate of force development (RFD), and postural sway between the groups. This indicates that, based on the assessment methods used, overall strength and balance might not always differentiate individuals with hypermobility from those with normal mobility. However, the difference in semitendinosus muscle activity hints at the potential for more in-depth neuromuscular differences that may influence stability and the need for more advanced assessment methods.

What are the practical implications of the study's findings, and what directions should future research take in relation to GJH?

The study underscores the complexity of GJH and the need for more sensitive assessment methods. The absence of significant differences in some measures suggests that conventional assessments may not fully capture the neuromuscular nuances in hypermobile individuals. Future research should explore more dynamic tasks to reveal these differences. It should also investigate proprioception, reflex activity, and the effects of targeted exercise interventions. A personalized approach, considering individual symptoms and neuromuscular profiles, is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving the lives of those with GJH.