Question

Describe the relationship between mobility and stability when it comes to the structure of a joint. List and describe the pros and cons of more/less mobility/stability.

Answer 1

Mobility and stability are related to the joints, their movements and control over the movements.

Mobility is the degree to which you can move a joint (articulation) with out being restricted by the surrounding tissue. It is considered as the extent of free movement around the articulation or the joint.the ease with which and the extent to which we can move is the mobility. Examples of the mobility joints are the ankle, hip, thoracic spine etc

Stability is the ability of the body to maintain the balance or equilibrium during the mobility or movement. Examples of the stability joints include the knees, foot, lumbar spine, cervical spine etc. The neuro-muscular system in coordination with the tissues surrounding the joint help in the stability or equilibrium.

Different joints have different levels of stability and mobility. If a person is too mobile at a stable joint or they are too stable at a mobile joint then they are considered as "unbalanced".

Pros and Cons of hyper mobility

The situation of hyper mobility can be hereditary and it is called as the "Hypermobility syndrome". This can result in Acid reflux, irritable bowel or bruise. Early signs may include the delay in speech and the walking may be due to less stability in the arms and legs. The advantage of hyper mobility in high flexibility and less wrinkles but this may be considered as nothing compared to the cons like instability of joints, increased risk of sprains and dislocation.

Pros and Cons of Extra stability

The tight ligaments may restrict the movement of a joint resulting in extra stability. This extra stability may result in the loss of the movement resulting even in less mobility. if any stress is applied to help in movement, it may result in severe damage causing situation like tearing up of ligaments. This may sometimes result in the damage of bone. the stability will improve the balance but the extra stability is a problem.