Hypermobility and Collagen
In Hypermobility and Collagen, learn about the science behind hypermobility. Meet Claudia, a woman whose hypermobile joints allow her to be especially flexible. Explore how collagen, the protein that helps provide structure and elasticity to tissues, contributes to hypermobility. See how the laxity of connective tissue around joints can make some people more flexible but also more prone to injury. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Lesson Express
Q: What causes someone to have hypermobility?
A: Hypermobility occurs when the tissues around the joints, including collagen, are looser or more elastic than normal. This allows for increased flexibility but may also make the joints unstable.
Q: How does hypermobility affect the body?
A: People with hypermobile joints may expend more energy to stabilize their joints, and they are at a higher risk of injury.
Q: How does proprioception help people with hypermobility manage their flexibility?
A: Proprioception allows people to sense the position and movement of their joints, helping them to manage and control their movements even when their joints are more flexible than average.