Low-Load Plyometric Training to Improve Running in Children With Generalised Joint Hypermobility: A Single Subject Research Design.

AIM: Investigate the effect of an intervention for children with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (pgGJH) on running performance, participation, and kinesiophobia.

METHODS

Single subject research design with baseline (usual care, 4-6 weeks), intervention (10 weeks), withdrawal (usual care, 6 weeks) and a six-month follow-up. Children with a Beighton score ≥6/9 undertook an individualized low-load plyometric program of 10 once/week group sessions, and a home program. The primary outcome measure was Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Secondary measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and fatigue, leg stiffness, Muscle Power Sprint Test, Lower Extremity Grading System, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, actigraphy and KIDSCREEN-10. Data were analyzed visually, Tau-u was calculated to confirm observed trends in GAS and VAS.

RESULTS

Eight participants (mean age 11 years 6 months (standard deviation 2 years 2 months), male n = 6) were recruited. 5/24 goals for running-related performance, physical activity and participation had upward trends in the intervention phase (p = .04, p < .01, p = .03, p = .01 and p = .03) and one had a downward trend (p = .03). Six participants had clinically significant reductions in kinesiophobia at withdrawal. No trends were observed in pain or fatigue (pain p = .08-.94; fatigue p = .09-.71). Other results were variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes for running performance, physical activity, and participation varied among children; 6 had reduced kinesiophobia.