Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes

Purpose of Research: This study aims to explore the impact of physical activity on the quality of life of individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of disorders affecting connective tissues. The focus is on understanding how tailored exercise programs can improve symptoms and overal...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Michał Stasiak, Karolina, Adam Woźniak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń 2025-05-01
Series:Quality in Sport
Subjects:
Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/60105
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850276071958642688
author Michał Stasiak
Karolina
Adam Woźniak
author_facet Michał Stasiak
Karolina
Adam Woźniak
author_sort Michał Stasiak
collection DOAJ
description Purpose of Research: This study aims to explore the impact of physical activity on the quality of life of individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of disorders affecting connective tissues. The focus is on understanding how tailored exercise programs can improve symptoms and overall well-being across different EDS subtypes. Research Materials and Methods: A PubMed review identified studies on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, quality of life, and exercise. Relevant peer-reviewed research from the last 20 years was included, screened, and synthesized. Basic Results: The findings indicate that physical activity plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with EDS. Tailored exercise programs, including proprioceptive and stabilization exercises, have been shown to reduce pain and enhance functional capacity. Additionally, interdisciplinary approaches combining physical therapy with cognitive-behavioral strategies can mitigate psychological factors such as anxiety and depression, which are prevalent among EDS patients. Studies highlight the importance of adapting exercises to individual needs to avoid exacerbating symptoms like joint instability and chronic pain. Conclusions: In conclusion, physical activity is a vital component of EDS management, offering benefits in pain reduction, improved joint function, and enhanced quality of life. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal exercise strategies for different EDS subtypes and to address the limitations of current studies, which often suffer from small sample sizes and heterogeneity in interventions. Developing personalized treatment plans that integrate physical therapy with psychological support can significantly improve patient outcomes and should be a priority in future studies. Additionally, there is a need to explore the effectiveness of interventions in pediatric and adolescent populations with EDS.
format Article
id doaj-art-0a481ff18eb6414b8300ba1dcff0e54a
institution OA Journals
issn 2450-3118
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
record_format Article
series Quality in Sport
spelling doaj-art-0a481ff18eb6414b8300ba1dcff0e54a2025-08-20T01:50:26ZengNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńQuality in Sport2450-31182025-05-014110.12775/QS.2025.41.60105Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and OutcomesMichał Stasiak0https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5121-6705Karolina1https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4218-5555Adam Woźniak2https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8046-7596Central Clinical Hospital, 1a Banacha Str. 02-097 Warsaw, PolandSt. Anne's Trauma Surgery Hospital, Barska Str. 16/20, 02-315 Warsaw, PolandSt. Anne's Trauma Surgery Hospital, Barska Str. 16/20, 02-315 Warsaw, Poland Purpose of Research: This study aims to explore the impact of physical activity on the quality of life of individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of disorders affecting connective tissues. The focus is on understanding how tailored exercise programs can improve symptoms and overall well-being across different EDS subtypes. Research Materials and Methods: A PubMed review identified studies on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, quality of life, and exercise. Relevant peer-reviewed research from the last 20 years was included, screened, and synthesized. Basic Results: The findings indicate that physical activity plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with EDS. Tailored exercise programs, including proprioceptive and stabilization exercises, have been shown to reduce pain and enhance functional capacity. Additionally, interdisciplinary approaches combining physical therapy with cognitive-behavioral strategies can mitigate psychological factors such as anxiety and depression, which are prevalent among EDS patients. Studies highlight the importance of adapting exercises to individual needs to avoid exacerbating symptoms like joint instability and chronic pain. Conclusions: In conclusion, physical activity is a vital component of EDS management, offering benefits in pain reduction, improved joint function, and enhanced quality of life. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal exercise strategies for different EDS subtypes and to address the limitations of current studies, which often suffer from small sample sizes and heterogeneity in interventions. Developing personalized treatment plans that integrate physical therapy with psychological support can significantly improve patient outcomes and should be a priority in future studies. Additionally, there is a need to explore the effectiveness of interventions in pediatric and adolescent populations with EDS. https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/60105physical activityjoint hypermobilityhypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromerehabilitationexercise
spellingShingle Michał Stasiak
Karolina
Adam Woźniak
Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes
Quality in Sport
physical activity
joint hypermobility
hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
rehabilitation
exercise
title Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes
title_full Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes
title_fullStr Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes
title_full_unstemmed Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes
title_short Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Interventions and Outcomes
title_sort rehabilitation and physical activity in ehlers danlos syndrome a review of interventions and outcomes
topic physical activity
joint hypermobility
hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
rehabilitation
exercise
url https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/60105
work_keys_str_mv AT michałstasiak rehabilitationandphysicalactivityinehlersdanlossyndromeareviewofinterventionsandoutcomes
AT karolina rehabilitationandphysicalactivityinehlersdanlossyndromeareviewofinterventionsandoutcomes
AT adamwozniak rehabilitationandphysicalactivityinehlersdanlossyndromeareviewofinterventionsandoutcomes