Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

People with multiple hypermobile joints are diagnosed with Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) when asymptomatic, or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) when symptomatic (hEDS/HSD, or 'HSD' here). GJH likely affects about 20% of the U.S. population, while HSD affects 0.5-3% of the US population. Although joint hypermobility is the most visible presentation of HSD, it is a systemic connective tissue disorder affecting multiple body systems. Due to frequent health concerns, HSD may contribute to more than 30% of patients in chronic pain, rheumatology, orthopedic and physical therapy clinics. It is still unclear why some people have asymptomatic hypermobility and others develop complex chronic health issues. However, recent research suggests that the transition might be triggered by severe physiological stress, such as viral infection. HSD is commonly associated with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), as well as gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Recent research suggests that persistent inflammation due to MCAS or COVID may trigger HSD symptoms. The correlation between POTS and HSD may be due to effects of HSD on the autonomic nervous system or to inflammation triggering both conditions. It is also unclear whether body awareness and coordination deficits seen in symptomatic HSD are due to the fundamental connective tissue disorder or due to pain and injuries in HSD. This study seeks to determine whether asymptomatic hypermobile individuals (GJH) also have balance and coordination deficits. The current study hopes to identify factors that correlate with a transition from asymptomatic GJH to symptomatic HSD by following a group of Health Science students forward in time. The study will collect baseline health information including relevant diagnoses, symptoms and function. Physical measurements will include standard clinical tests performed by physical therapists: joint hypermobility and instability, standing balance, neck movement control, and heart rate in response to standing from lying down. The study is likely to last for at least 10 years to follow participants over time.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine how strengthening the hamstring muscles affects the knee joint in people living with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does hamstring strengthening reduce the looseness of the knee joint in HSD/hEDS? * Does hamstring strengthening improve clinical outcomes like pain in people living with HSD/hEDS? Participants will: * Attend two exercise classes per week for 12 weeks. * Visit the laboratory every 4-6 weeks for testing.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility and additional connective tissue manifestations. For unclear reasons, hEDS is associated with many gastrointestinal (GI) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) complaints such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This study will address the clinical relationship between hEDS/Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders and autonomic regulation and see if there is a benefit of two forms of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation therapies to reduce GI symptoms in hEDS and POTS. The study will also investigate plausible effects of these nerve stimulation therapies on gastric function and autonomic signaling.