Investigation of the Relationship Between Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness Parameters in Healty Adults

NCT ID: NCT06943027

Last Updated: 2025-04-24

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Total Enrollment: 38 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-05-15
• Study Completion Date: 2025-07-15

Brief Summary

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between dysfunctional breathing and physical fitness parameters in healthy adults aged 18-35. Participants will be evaluated using the Nijmegen Questionnaire to assess dysfunctional breathing symptoms, and their physical fitness will be measured using the ALPHA-FIT Test Battery. Respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function will also be assessed. The findings may help healthcare professionals better understand dysfunctional breathing and develop targeted treatment programs.

Detailed Description

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is characterized by chronic alterations in the respiratory cycle, often leading to symptoms such as dyspnea, chest tightness, and hyperventilation. Despite its prevalence, DB is frequently underdiagnosed and mismanaged due to limited awareness among healthcare professionals. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the relationship between DB symptoms and physical fitness in healthy young adults. A total of 38 participants diagnosed with DB will be assessed at Istinye University using the Nijmegen Questionnaire, ALPHA-FIT Test Battery, spirometry, and measurements of maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) mouth pressures. Data on sociodemographic characteristics will also be collected. The results of this study are expected to support clinicians in the accurate identification of DB and provide insight for the development of personalized rehabilitation strategies that improve physical fitness and respiratory health.

Conditions

Dysfunctional Breathing

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: CASE_ONLY
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged between 18-35 years
• Healthy individuals with no known systemic, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders
• Nijmegen Questionnaire score >23 (indicative of dysfunctional breathing)
• Voluntary participation with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed with respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic disease
• Currently receiving physiotherapy or pulmonary rehabilitation
• Regular use of medication affecting breathing or exercise capacity
• Pregnancy

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Elif Tunç

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Elif Tunç

MS.c. PT

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Central Contacts

Elif Tunç, MSc, PhD(c)

Role: CONTACT

fzteliftunc@gmail.com

+90 535 076 31 39

References

Kiesel K, Plisky PJ, Voight ML. Can Serious Injury in Professional Football be Predicted by a Preseason Functional Movement Screen? N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2007 Aug;2(3):147-58.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 21522210 (View on PubMed)

Courtney R. The functions of breathing and its dysfunctions and their relationship to breathing therapy. Int J Osteopath Med. 2009;12(3):78-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijosm.2009.04.002

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

Related Links

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4783243/

Review article on dysfunctional breathing and its assessment in physiotherapy.

Other Identifiers

2209-A

Identifier Type: OTHER_GRANT

Identifier Source: secondary_id

ISTU-DS-2025-ET

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id