The effects of age and sex on active and passive hip range of motion in individuals with alkaptonuria.

Abstract

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. 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 <i>t</i>-test, with results interpreted using partial eta squared and standardised mean differences (SMD). Differences were observed across the age groups for active and passive flexion (<i>F</i> = 3.815, <i>p</i> = 0.006, η_p² = 0.115) and active hip abduction (<i>F</i> = 1.941, <i>p</i> = 0.108, η_p² = 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 (<i>t</i> = -8.545 to -3.166, <i>p</i> = 0.010 to <0.001) and abduction (<i>t</i> = -20.830 to -0.737, <i>p</i> = 0.478 to <0.001). 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.