Generalized Joint Laxity in Igloolik Eskimos and in Island Lake Amerindians

Document Type

Article

Authors

J M. Walker, McMaster University Medical Center, Hamilton, Ontario

Abstract

The findings of generalized joint laxity studies in the Igloolik-Hall Beach Eastern Arctic population (n = 298) and the Cree-Ojibwa Indians of Island Lake Reserve, Manitoba (n = 396) conducted in 1972 and 1973 are reported. Generalized joint laxity (GJL) is a condition in which excessive range of motion is present in several pairs of joints and probably represents the upper end of a spectrum of range of normal joint mobility. GJL has been shown to be present in a higher percentage of Congenital Hip Disease (CHD) cases than controls. In the Island Lake population no correlation was shown between CHD and GJL. Both populations demonstrated a gradual decrease in GJL with age with the decrease slower in females. No individuals over 19 years of age were positive for GJL. Unexpectedly, Eskimos exhibited a greater degree of GJL through all age groups, which was most significant between the ages of 5 to 9 years (p < .001). In neither population at any age category were the sexes sig­nificantly different.

Recommended Citation

Walker, J M. (1975) "Generalized Joint Laxity in Igloolik Eskimos and in Island Lake Amerindians," Human Biology: Vol. 47: Iss. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol47/iss2/8