Exploring the Effects of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome on Dancer Performance
Andria Reber
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: DPT.PHYSTHERAPY
Faculty Research Mentor: Lee, John Tucker, Jenna
Abstract:
Exploring the Effects of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome on Dancer PerformanceReber, Andria, SPTDr. Lee, J. PT, DPT, PhD, OCS and Dr. Tucker, J. PT, DPT, NCS, CBISDance training engages motor control, memory, imagery, and synchronization. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by generalized joint hypermobility, instability, chronic myofascial pain, and fatigue. Notably, there is a high prevalence of dancers with hEDS. However, current literature lacks insight into how hEDS symptoms specifically impact dancer performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the functional impact of hEDS symptoms on dancer performance. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “EDS”, “dancers”, “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome”, and “hEDS symptoms”. Inclusion criteria: manuscript in English, peer-reviewed articles published between 1990-2025, and articles addressing dance performance in the context of hEDS. Exclusion criteria: studies not involving dancers, those focused on eating disorders, or those discussing dance injuries without reference to hEDS.The initial search yielded 29 articles, of which 3 met the inclusion criteria: a systematic review, case report, and descriptive analysis. The systematic review found that there was significantly greater time loss from injuries in hypermobile dancers and that hip hypermobility is a risk factor for LE injury in youth recreational dancers. The 18-year-old dancer in the case report experienced decreased pain, hand numbness resolution, and a near-full return to 40+ hours of dancing per week following 4 weeks of physical therapy. The descriptive analysis reported significantly lower pain levels, fewer unstable joints despite hypermobility, significantly better health-related quality of life in school functioning, and less fatigue in dancers compared to non-dancers. Current evidence lacks comprehensive data on joint stability and direct comparisons between dance performance outcomes for dancers with and without hEDS. Future studies are indicated to address this knowledge gap. Given the high prevalence of hypermobility amongst dancers, clinicians should prioritize screening and assessment for hEDS. Patient education should emphasize that dance training may positively influence health-related quality of life, joint instability, pain, and fatigue, while also highlighting the potential for delayed injury recovery time.