The Prevalence of Hand Joint Hypermobility and Its Relationship With Grip Strength Among University Students.

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hand joint hypermobility among university students and examine its association with hand grip strength. Specifically, it seeks to compare grip strength between students with and without hypermobility and explore potential implications for educational activities such as writing and studying.

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 students. Settings: 400 students recruited from both public and private universities. Participants: Students were assessed at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints using a universal goniometer, while hand grip strength was measured with an adjustable hand dynamometer. Based on MCP range of motion, participants were categorized into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe hypermobility.

Intervention: Not Applicable. Main outcome measures: Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint hypermobility was measured using a universal goniometer, and grip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants were eligible if they were undergraduate university students enrolled in the 2023/2024 academic year, male or female, aged between 18 and 22 years, and had no previously diagnosed systemic conditions associated with hypermobility (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or generalized hypermobility syndrome).

Exclusion criteria

• Participants were excluded if they had a previously diagnosed systemic condition associated with hypermobility, reported musculoskeletal injuries or conditions affecting joint mobility or grip strength at the time of assessment, were unable or unwilling to provide informed consent, had any neurological or chronic disorders that could influence muscle strength or joint range of motion or were outside the specified age range (18-22 years).