Investigation of Sleep Characteristics in Infants With Joint Hypermobility
Joint hypermobility is defined as an increased range of motion in one or more joints compared to the normal range. The Beighton Scoring (BS) system is commonly used to distinguish individuals with generalized joint hypermobility from those without. Passive joint range of motion varies among infants, children, and adults. Since younger children exhibit greater joint mobility than older children and adults, age-specific revisions of the cut-off values are necessary for the diagnosis of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH). To this end, a recent study suggested that children aged 12 to 60 months should be diagnosed with GJH if the BS is greater than 4. Studies have shown that motor development in children with joint hypermobility is delayed during early childhood, although most children catch up with their peers before the age of two. Infants with joint hypermobility experience significant delays in both gross and fine motor development. Additionally, proprioceptive impairments have been identified in both children and adults with joint hypermobility. A study evaluating sensory processing skills in toddlers with GJH reported sensory processing difficulties compared to their non-GJH peers. A review of the literature reveals that GJH affects the musculoskeletal system, motor development, and sensory processing skills in infants; however, no studies have been found investigating sleep characteristics in infants with GJH. This study aims to investigate the sleep characteristics of term infants aged 6 to 9 months with GJH and to compare them with their non-GJH peers.
• Term infants
• Infants with joint hypermobility
• Post-term infants between 6 and 9 months old