Hypermobility of joints in adolescent swimmers

Joint hypermobility (JH) can be an advantage in many sports. On the other hand, it can also be one of the risk factors for developing pain or injury. The objective of the study was to compare JH diagnostic methods in adolescent swimmers, to locate the most common position of JH and assess its effect on swimming performance. This was a diagnostic study. The study group comprised of 40 adolescent swimmers (20 female and 20 male) aged 13-18 years. Three diagnostic methods were used to assess joint hypermobility: Beighton score (BS), Sachse’s criteria (SC), modified by Kapandji, and the Grahame and Hakim questionnaire (GHQ). In addition, questionnaire designed for the study was also applied. Joint hypermobility was identified in 62.5% of the swimmers by the BS, 22.5% by the SC and 57.5% by the GHQ. In addition, 75% of the swimmers indicated joint pain in the shoulder. JH was most often localized in knee joints regardless of the method used. Based on the results of the BS and GHQ and the level of athletes' sports performance, higher sports performance was associated with more frequent occurrence of JH. A diagnosis of JH in swimmers is influenced by the method so there is a need for unified diagnostic criteria for JH in this group. In adolescent swimmers, JH is more common in large limb joints, and appears to contribute to better results.