Benefits and liabilities of hypermobility in professional life

Abstract

Whether joint hypermobility is an asset or a liability is an ancient question traceable to Hippocrates who attributed the defeat of the Scythians to the laxity of elbows and shoulders resulting in inability to throw javelins and pull bow-strings. On the other hand the hypermobile features of Paganini have been widely regarded as the reason for his distinguished virtuosity. The issue remained an enigma through the second half of the 20th century. In scientific studies hypermobility has been variously defined without reference to specific locations or functional roles of the joints. We first noted that different joints should be studied separately because of their distinctly different practical consequences. Thus, we studied different incidences of hypermobility in two populations, one of musicians and the other of industrial workers, with respect to demographic factors such as sex and age. We then acquired information on positive and negative aspects of professional performances and physiological symptoms in order to investigate the possible correlation between these aspects and the hypermobility of the relevant joints. Our studies led us to the hypothesis and a tentative affirmative conclusion that the hypermobility of joints undergoing repetitive motion is an asset whereas hypermobility of joints that provide support is a liability. Studies of the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and joint laxity may be helpful in directing workers to jobs which best suit their hypermobility characteristics configuration. This may likely reduce work related musculoskeletal problems and as a consequence offer a better financial situation for companies and society.