The effect of therapeutic exercises in individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background This systematic and meta-analysis review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises on the lower limbs in individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome. Main body of the abstract This meta-analysis review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA standards. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to retrieve original peer-reviewed studies, using predetermined search terms from database inception up to March 2026. Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated with the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using the Q-test and I² statistic, while Egger’s test was applied to detect potential publication bias. After searching the mentioned databases, 5434 articles were found. Finally, six articles with 231 participants were included in the current review. It was shown that therapeutic exercises had a significant effect, leading to a reduction in pain (95% CI= -2.164 to -0.357, P = 0.006) and an increase in quality of life (95% CI = 0.219 to 1.239, P = 0.005) and proprioception scores (95% CI= -1.731 to -0.582, P = 0.000), compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were seen in the lower limb strength (95% CI= -0.389 to 0.495, P = 0.815). The heterogeneity was noted in the pain score (I2= 81.799, P = 0.001). Egger’s test demonstrated that publication bias is not statistically significant in pain (P = 0.363) and quality of life (P = 0.231). Conclusions Therapeutic exercises may improve pain, quality of life, and proprioception in individuals with joint hypermobility syndrome. However, due to the limited number of studies and observed heterogeneity, the certainty of evidence remains low, and further research is needed.