Dysfunctional Breathing and Physical Fitness in Older Adults

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.