Date Presented

Spring 5-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Sean Collins

Second Advisor

Dr. Jill Lucas

Third Advisor

Dr. Price Blair

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of hypermobility and its effects on functional movement patterns in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-III (DIII) college athletes. Existing research is divided on hypermobility rates in university-aged populations and few have focused on NCAA D-III athletes specifically. Additionally, little is known about the relationship between hypermobility and functional movement patterns in this population even though it is the largest division in the NCAA and hypermobility may impact injury risk. Subjects were asked to complete a demographics questionnaire and then perform two movement screenings to observe mobility and movement patterns. Mobility was assessed through a self-reported nine-point Beighton Score, a survey that observes passive joint movement abilities to classify mobility status.. Functional movement patterns were assessed through the functional movement screen (FMS). The mean FMS score of hypermobile (n=3) subjects (14.33±1.15) was not significantly different than that of non-hypermobile (n=16) (16.29±1.9). The findings of this study suggest that the prevalence of hypermobility in this population is about 15%, and that there are no significant differences in functional movement between hypermobile and non-hypermobile individuals.

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