Clinical trial NCT06943027: Investigation of the Relationship Between Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness Parameters in Healty Adults
Official title: Investigation of the Relationship Between Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness Parameters in Healthy Adults
Study type: OBSERVATIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Conditions: Dysfunctional Breathing
Keywords: ALPHA-FIT
Physical Fitness
Respiratory Function
MIP
MEP
Hyperventilation
Young Adults
Lead sponsor: Istinye University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-04-24
Enrollment: 38
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 35
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Observational model: CASE_ONLY
Time perspective: PROSPECTIVE
Sampling method: NON_PROBABILITY_SAMPLE
Study population: The study population will consist of healthy adults aged 18-35 years with no known systemic, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions. Participants will be screened using the Nijmegen Questionnaire to identify symptoms of dysfunctional breathing.

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.

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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Nijmegen Questionnaire Score
timeFrame: Baseline
Secondary outcomes:
measure: ALPHA-FIT Test Battery Performance
timeFrame: Baseline
measure: Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP)
timeFrame: Baseline
Other outcomes:
Locations:
Study officials:
References:
citation: 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.
citation: 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