Lower Limb Rehabilitation Therapies in Joint Hypermobility Syndrome - A Survey of NSW and ACT Podiatrists

Objectives Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is one of the most common disorders of the connective tissue, characterised by excessive joint range and musculoskeletal symptoms. This survey aimed to explore New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) podiatrists' experiences, knowledge and practices in relation to managing children diagnosed with JHS. Method An online survey was administered through Survey MonkeyTM with questions pertaining to clinicians' knowledge and use of lower limb rehabilitation therapies in JHS. All members of the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW/ACT) were invited via email to participate. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were performed. Results Fifty-seven podiatrists completed the survey. Sixty-four percent (n = 34) reported treating JHS. During the 6 months prior to undertaking the survey, 57% (n = 19) reported treating 0-5 JHS patients and 3% (n = 1) reported treating greater than 50. Seventy-seven percent were unaware of clinical guidelines for treating JHS. Exercise therapy was implemented by 88.9% (n = 24/27), most commonly, lower limb strengthening (88.9%; n = 24/27). Orthotic therapy was used by 96.3% (n = 26/27). There were no statistically significant differences in prescription of lower limb stretching or strengthening exercises between respondents who were aware of clinical guidelines and those who were not. Conclusions Most respondents reported using interventions that have not been evaluated in randomised trials for JHS. Awareness of current clinical guidelines for JHS had no statistically significant impact on the practices of NSW and ACT podiatrists. Randomised trials and updated clinical guidelines are required to guide podiatrists' treatment of JHS.