The Physical and Psychological Impacts of Exercise on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Study

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a subtype of a series of connective tissue disorders identified by joint hypermobility and multisystemic symptoms. It is caused by a lack of collagen production affecting the body’s ability to support important structures such as muscle, bone skin, and other connective tissues. To study the physical and psychological impacts of exercise on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a seven-week, phased exercise intervention program was implemented for a nineteen-year-old male with the disease. The program consisted of three phases focused on the strengthening of the surrounding musculature of the glenohumeral joint, along with improving muscular endurance and proprioception. The results of the program showed an overall reduction in glenohumeral joint pain and laxity, indicating an improvement in the severity of symptoms for the participant. No observable changes were noted regarding the psychological health of the participant. While the program was effective in reducing excessive mobility and pain of the subject, limitations of the study include the use of a one-person patient population, non-generalizable evidence based on individual results, and the risk of researcher bias and error in the measurement process for range of motion. Given this, the case study's outcomes provided the participant with long-term exercises that are helpful for disease management and can guide clinicians on how to treat a commonly overlooked patient population. Each step taken to further understand hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can help those suffering with the disease learn how to effectively manage and treat their symptoms in the best way possible for them.