DEFINING THE CONCEPTS OF NORM AND PATHOLOGY IN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH HYPERMOBILITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/pub.health.2025.1.6Keywords:
hypermobility, physical therapy, differential diagnosis, personal norm, performing arts, joint mobility, individual rehabilitationAbstract
Topicality. Joint hypermobility is a common phenomenon among various populations, including performingartists who develop excessive joint range of motion through specific training, as well as patients with connective tissue pathologies. This article aims to define the concepts of “norm” and “pathology” in physical therapy for patients with hypermobility. Based on an analysis of current literature and experimental research, criteria for differential diagnosis wereproposed, taking into account the patient’s personal norms depending on age, gender, and profession. Special attention is given to identifying signs of pathological processes and developing individualized rehabilitation programs tailored tothe patient’s personal indicators. The findings highlight the importance of a personalized approach to improving patients’ quality of life and preserving their professional performance. Research aim. To define the concepts of “norm” and “pathology” in physical therapy for patients with hypermobility by analyzing personal indicators, considering age, gender, and professional activity, to develop criteria for differentialdiagnosis and individualized rehabilitation programs.Materials and methods. The study included 24 participants divided into four groups: circus artists with and withouthypermobility syndrome, and office workers with and without hypermobility syndrome. Grip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer, and joint mobility was measured with a goniometer. The Beighton scale was used for hypermobility screening, along with an analysis of complications (pain, inflammation, dislocations). All results were analyzed consideringparticipants’ personal norms.The results. The study revealed significant variability in joint mobility and grip strength among patients withhypermobility syndrome, emphasizing the need to consider personal norms in physical therapy. The use of the Beightonscale and the statistical approach enabled the identification of pathological processes and differentiation between norm and pathology. Analysis showed that complications in performers with excessive joint mobility did not affect their professional activities when properly accounted for in therapeutic plans. These findings highlight the importance of apersonalized approach to diagnosis and rehabilitation.Conclusions. The findings highlight the importance of a personalized approach to physical therapy for patients with hypermobility. Identifying personal norms, utilizing modern diagnostic tools, and considering professional specifics enable effective differentiation between norm and pathology, improving patients’ quality of life and maintaining theirprofessional activity.
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