Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

Istinye University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Dysfunctional Breathing; Older Adults

Treatments: Other: Assessment

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07107191

2025/203

Details and patient eligibility

About

The global aging trend will continue to challenge healthcare systems, making it increasingly important to preserve quality of life and independence among older adults. Physical fitness will remain a crucial factor for maintaining autonomy, yet aging will naturally lead to declines in respiratory function, muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Dysfunctional breathing (DB), characterized by abnormal respiratory patterns without organic pathology, will become a growing public health concern in the elderly. Although symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and anxiety will likely limit physical activity, the specific effects of DB on physical fitness in older adults will not yet be well understood. This study will aim to investigate the effects of DB on physical fitness components in older individuals and determine whether these effects are independent of demographic variables such as age and body mass index (BMI). The study will compare physical fitness levels between older adults with and without DB and will evaluate the predictive value of DB for physical performance outcomes.

Enrollment: 120 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 65 years or older
• Regularly monitored (followed) for at least six months
• Possess sufficient cognitive ability to communicate
• Able to perform activities of daily living independently or with minimal assistance
• No history of respiratory disease within the past three months
• No current acute illness

Exclusion criteria

• Advanced dementia or significant cognitive impairment
• A diagnosis of cardiopulmonary disease (e.g., COPD, congestive heart failure)
• A history of malignancy
• Serious musculoskeletal conditions
• Major surgery within the past six months
• Neurological or orthopedic problems that limit physical activity
• Refused to participate in the study
• Inability to complete the measurement procedures

Trial design

120 participants in 1 patient group

Group 1

Treatment:

Other: Assessment