Peer-reviewed article
Intervention to Improve Running and Physical Activity Participation in Children With Generalised Joint Hypermobility: A Feasibility Study.
Chappell A, Jepson B, Kilgour G ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study tested whether a 10-week running and exercise programme could help children with generalised joint hypermobility improve their physical activity participation. Eight children aged 10-15 years completed weekly group running sessions and home exercises in an Australian private clinic. The programme was acceptable to participants, in demand among families, and feasible to deliver, though cost was identified as a significant barrier to wider implementation.
Key points
- 8 children aged 10-15 years (6 male, 2 female) participated, with high attendance (≥90% of sessions)
- Satisfaction ratings were high (6.5-9/10), and 155 of 175 survey respondents expressed interest in the programme
- 62% of participants completed home exercises at least twice per week
- Participants and parents reported improved running technique, increased confidence, reduced leg stiffness and reduced kinesiophobia
- Cost was the main challenge for families and clinic management, with a 1:3 therapist-to-participant ratio needed
Limitations
This was a small feasibility study with only 8 participants and no control group, so it cannot demonstrate whether improvements were due to the intervention or other factors. The study does not provide long-term follow-up data on whether changes in physical activity and confidence were sustained.
Abstract
Background Children with symptomatic paediatric generalised joint hypermobility (pgGJH) have limitations in physical activity and participation, yet there is a lack of research to guide intervention. In Australia, these children do not receive funding support. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a programme delivered in a private practice to improve running and associated goals of children with pgGJH from the perspectives of children, parents and staff. Methods Children with pgGJH undertook a weekly group running intervention and home exercise programme (HEP) for 10 weeks. Feasibility of delivery in a private paediatric therapy clinic was determined using physical and self-reported measures for acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, integration and intervention efficacy. Semi-structured interviews with participants, therapists and managers explored multiple aspects of feasibility of the programme. Results Acceptability: satisfaction was rated between 6.5 and 9/10. Demand: 155 of 175 survey respondents were interested in the programme. Recruitment saw 24 participants invited, 10 excluded and 6 declined. Eight children aged 10-15 years (two female) participated and attended ≥ 90% of sessions. The HEP was completed at least twice per week by 62% of participants. Implementation the intervention was completed according to the protocol with one minor adverse event. Practicality: the intervention was well equipped but expensive to run with a therapist to participant ratio of 1:3. Integration: interventionists perceived the programme to fit well within the practice infrastructure and culture. Efficacy participants and parents reported improved running technique and increased confidence in physical activity. Leg stiffness improved and kinesiophobia was reduced. Conclusion A running intervention for children with pgGJH was acceptable, in demand, practical to deliver and able to be integrated and implemented in a private clinic. Cost was the main challenge identified by families and management.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Weekly group running intervention combined with a home exercise programme delivered over 10 weeks in a private paediatric therapy clinic
- Population
- 8 children aged 10-15 years with symptomatic paediatric generalised joint hypermobility (6 male, 2 female) recruited from a private clinic in Australia
Key finding
High satisfaction ratings (6.5-9/10) and high demand (155/175 survey respondents interested)
A et al. · Europe PMC · 1 Sept 2026