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

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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Dysfunctional Breathing

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.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 38

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Elif Tunç, MSc, PhD(c); Phone Number: +90 535 076 31 39; Email: fzteliftunc@gmail.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• 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.

Description

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Nijmegen Questionnaire Score	Assessment of dysfunctional breathing symptoms using the Nijmegen Questionnaire.	Baseline

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
ALPHA-FIT Test Battery Performance	Evaluation of physical fitness components such as strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance in participants.	Baseline
Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP)	Measurement of respiratory muscle strength using a mouth pressure device to evaluate inspiratory and expiratory capacities.	Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Elif Tunç

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• 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.
• 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

Helpful Links

• Review article on dysfunctional breathing and its assessment in physiotherapy.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): May 15, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 15, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 15, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 17, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 17, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 24, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 24, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 17, 2025
• Last Verified: April 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Young Adults; Physical Fitness; Hyperventilation; Respiratory Function; MIP; ALPHA-FIT; MEP
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Aspiration
• Other Study ID Numbers: ISTU-DS-2025-ET; 2209-A (Other Grant/Funding Number: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK))

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No