Relationship Between Prenatal Hormonal Markers and Sleep Characteristics in Young Adults With Joint Hypermobility: The Role of the 2D:4D Digit Ratio

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY

Joint hypermobility is a clinical condition characterized by joints having a range of motion beyond their normal limits. Hormonal factors are thought to play a role in the development of joint hypermobility. One of the most significant indicators of prenatal androgen exposure is considered the ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D). The 2D:4D digit ratio refers to the ratio of the lengths of the second finger (2D; index digit ) and the fourth finger (4D; ring digit). Evidence suggests that the 2D:4D ratio is developmentally stable and stabilizes from the second trimester of pregnancy onward. To our knowledge, intrauterine androgen exposure (2D:4D) has not been examined in populations with joint hypermobility. Furthermore, there are no studies investigating the relationship between this ratio and sleep quality. Therefore, the planned study aimed to examine the 2D:4D digit ratio in young adults with joint hypermobility and compare it with that of individuals without joint hypermobility. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between 2D:4D finger ratio and sleep characteristics in young adults.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 35
Healthy Volunteers: t
View:

• Individuals aged 18-35

• Individuals who scored 5 out of 9 or higher on the Beighton score

• Control group: Those with a Beighton score of ≤ 4

Locations
Other Locations
Turkey
Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
RECRUITING
Niğde
Contact Information
Primary
Rabia ZORLULAR
rabiaeraslan118@gmail.com
+5424362082
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-09-20
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-01-15
Participants
Target number of participants: 200
Treatments
Young Adults With Joint Hypermobility
Joint hypermobility makes individuals more vulnerable to trauma through increased joint range of motion, changes in neuromuscular reflexes, and decreased joint position sense. The Beighton Scoring system is widely used to distinguish individuals with generalized joint hypermobility from those without.In adults up to 50 years of age, a score of ≥5 out of 9 indicates hypermobility, while in adults over 50, a score of ≥4 out of 9 is considered positive for hypermobility.~The study will include young adults aged 18-35 with joint hypermobility. It has been reported in the literature that estrogen may be associated with connective tissue laxity and joint hypermobility. The 2D:4D digit ratio will be assessed and compared with young adults without joint hypermobility. Additionally, the relationship between the 2D:4D digit ratio and sleep will be examined.
Healthy Controls (without joint hypermobility)
This group consisted of individuals without generalized joint hypermobility, confirmed by a Beighton score below the diagnostic cut-off. This study will include young adults aged 18-35 who do not have joint hypermobility.The Beighton Scoring system is widely used to distinguish individuals with generalized joint hypermobility from those without.In adults up to 50 years of age, a score of ≥5 out of 9 indicates hypermobility, while in adults over 50, a score of ≥4 out of 9 is considered positive for hypermobility. Individuals with musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic conditions that may affect joint mobility or sleep characteristics will be excluded from the study.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov