Better Mobility Lab

We want to understand how female hormones across the menstrual cycle affect the knee in people with and without conditions that cause loose joints.

The clinical conditions we are interested in studying are Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).

We also want to compare our findings to people with no history of these conditions.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible gender: Male, Female, Transgender, Other

Eligible ages: 18 to 35

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1. Age 18 - 35
2. Female sex
3. Regular menstrual cycles (every 25 - 31 days for at least the past 1 year)

We are looking for people EITHER with
1. A diagnosis of Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, OR
2. People who do not have these conditions and are otherwise healthy

Exclusion criteria:

1. Estrogen or progesterone use (oral, transdermal, depo, vaginal) in the last 3 months
2. Testosterone use (oral, intramuscular, transdermal) in the last 3 months
3. Corticosteroid use (oral, intramuscular, intravenous) in the last 3 months
4. Pregnant within the last 12 months
5. Currently breastfeeding
6. Previous right knee injury
7. Other connective tissue disorder (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Down syndrome, etc.)
8. Using a wheelchair for day-to-day mobility

Want to learn more or want to participate?

Email: bettermobilitylab@ucalgary.ca

People diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) may experience a range of symptoms including joint injuries, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, and more. Little is known about how hypermobility affects specific cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and information processing speed.

In this study, we will ask people living with HSD/hEDS and people who are otherwise healthy to complete a series of thinking tests.

Participants will receive a $15 Tim Horton's gift card in appreciation of their time.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible gender: Male, Female, Transgender, Other

Eligible ages: 18 to 39

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1) Age 18 to 39
2) Able to comfortably communicate in English
3) Either:
a) Diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
OR b) Healthy

Exclusion criteria:

You are not eligible to participate if you:
1) Are unable to comfortably speak and understand English
2) Have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a learning disability, or multiple sclerosis
3) You have experienced a traumatic brain injury and/or stroke before

Want to learn more or want to participate?

Email: bettermobilitylab@ucalgary.ca