Purpose: To report active and passive hip range of motion (ROM) data for individuals with alkaptonuria (AKU), with consideration for age, sex, and non-AKU comparative data.
Materials and methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 123 patients who had baseline ROM assessed in a previous international, multi-centre clinical trial were included. Data was compared between age groups, sexes, and with existing data from individuals without AKU. Data was analysed using a one-way ANOVA, paired t-test, and one-sample t-test, with results interpreted using partial eta squared and standardised mean differences (SMD).
Results: Differences were observed across the age groups for active and passive flexion (F = 3.815, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.115) and active hip abduction (F = 1.941, p = 0.108, ηp2 = 0.062). Differences between sexes ranged from trivial-to-large (SMD = 0.03 to 1.90), with variability evident across the age groups. Individuals with AKU were within the lower range of scores observed for healthy adults in flexion (t = -8.545 to -3.166, p = 0.010 to <0.001) and abduction (t = -20.830 to -0.737, p = 0.478 to <0.001).
Conclusions: Our results provide insight into the clinical value of ROM with consideration for age, sex and normative data as a determinant of disease progression and functional ability within individuals with AKU.
Keywords: AKU; disability; lifespan; ochronosis; physiotherapy; rehabilitation.
Range of movement assessment could be used in clinical practice as an early indicator of disease activity and functional ability in individuals with alkaptonuria (AKU).Insight into natural history of range of motion (ROM) with reference to AKU, sex, and age can inform long-term management and rehabilitation strategies in this patient population to minimise loss of ROM and function early in the life course.The pathophysiology underlying loss of joint range, including ochronotic changes to cartilage, tendons and ligaments, should be considered within rehabilitation strategies.