Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

Primary outcomes

1. Nijmegen Questionnaire

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   The NQ evaluates and identifies respiratory dysfunction, unexplained respiratory symptoms, and HV syndrome symptoms. It contains 16 questions addressing neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and psychological factors. The questionnaire uses a 5-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 0 to 64. Higher scores suggest a greater likelihood of respiratory dysfunction and HV syndrome. A score above 23 indicates a possible DB diagnosis.

2. Senior Fitness Test Battery

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   To assess physical fitness levels, the Senior Fitness Test Battery , developed by Rikli and Jones, is administered, comprising six tests: chair sit-stand, weightlifting, chair sit-lie, 2-minute step, 8-step stand-walk, and back scratching.

3. 30-Second Chair Stand Test

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   This test measures lower-body muscle strength. The participant sits in a 43.18 cm high chair with a straight back, feet flat on the floor, and arms crossed over the chest. Upon the "start" command, they stand up and sit down repeatedly as many times as possible within 30 seconds.

4. Arm Curl Test

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   This test assesses upper-body strength. The participant sits on the edge of a chair facing their dominant arm. They extend and flex their elbow for 30 seconds while holding a dumbbell (2.27 kg [5 lb] for women, 3.63 kg [8 lb] for men). Before testing, each participant was shown and explained the procedure, performing two or three practice attempts without weights. Once understood, the test commenced.

5. Two-Minute Step Test

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   This test is used to evaluate aerobic endurance. To perform the test, the distance from the anterior iliac crest to the midpoint of the patella was measured while the subject was standing straight.

6. Eight-Foot Up and Go Test

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   Eight-Foot Up and Go Test evaluates agility and dynamic balance. A person sitting upright in the center of a chair with their back resting against the backrest is asked to place both hands on their knees, keep their feet flat on the floor, and, upon the command "start," walk around a cone located 2.44 meters away and return to the chair as quickly as possible. The time taken (in seconds) to complete the test is recorded.

7. Chair Sit and Reach Test

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   Chair Sit and Reach Test measures lower-body flexibility. This modified sit-and-reach test uses a straight-backed chair with a seat height of 43.18 cm and a 46 cm ruler.

8. Back Scratch Test

   Time frame: 4 weeks

   This test evaluates upper extremity flexibility, especially shoulder flexibility. The subject stands, externally rotates one arm over their shoulder with the palm facing back and fingers extended, trying to reach the lowest point on their back.