Measuring joint hypermobility using the Beighton Scale in children with intellectual disability: a study of reliability

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Issue Date
2012-04-18
Authors
Cook, William
Hadley, Maria
Harrington, Courtney
Niederklein, Kendra
Advisor
Pitetti, Kenneth H.
Citation

William Cook, Maria Hadley, Courtney Harrington, Kendra Niederklein. (2012). Measuring joint hypermobility using the Beighton Scale in children with intellectual disability: a study of reliability -- In Proceedings: 8th Annual Symposium: Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p.21

Abstract

Hypermobility relates to excessive joint motion caused by laxity of surrounding tissue, thus allowing joints to move beyond the expected normal range. The 9-point Beighton Hypermobility Score (9-BHS) is the most widely used system for diagnosis of joint hypermobility in children without disabilities. However, it is not known if the 9-BHS, which involves 9 maneuvers, can be performed correctly by youth with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of using the 9-BHS for youth with ID. Twenty-five (14 male, 11 female; Age = 13.3±2.9 yrs) participants were assessed on two different days with 3-4 weeks between evaluations. Percent (%) agreement between tests was determined by Cohen's kappa coefficient. Kappa scores indicated moderate (.41-.60, 3 maneuvers), substantial (.61-.80, 5 maneuvers), and perfect (1.0, 1 maneuver) agreement. These results indicate that the 9-BHS has similar reliability when used to diagnose hypermobility in youth without disabilities.

Table of Content
Description
Paper presented to the 8th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Marcus Welcome Center, Wichita State University, April 18, 2012.
Research completed at the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions
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