Respiratory and Exercise Responses by Body Roundness Index in Obesity

Evaluation of Respiratory Performance and Exercise Responses According to Body Roundness Index in Individuals With Obesity

This observational study aims to evaluate respiratory performance and exercise responses according to Body Roundness Index (BRI) in individuals with obesity. Participants will undergo anthropometric and body composition assessments, respiratory muscle strength testing, pulmonary function evaluation, and a six-minute walk test. Exercise-related ventilatory responses, dyspnea, fatigue perception, oxygen saturation, and heart rate responses will also be assessed. The study seeks to investigate the relationship between BRI and cardiopulmonary performance and to determine whether BRI may serve as a useful indicator of obesity-related functional limitations and exercise capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals between 25 and 60 years of age
• Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification
• Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 3 or higher
• Individuals with uncontrolled arrhythmia, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, or unstable angina pectoris
• Individuals with cooperation difficulties, orthopedic disorders, or neurological problems that may interfere with assessment procedures
• Individuals with a history of lower extremity injury or surgery within the last six months
• Individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and presenting complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy
• Individuals with concomitant chronic respiratory disease
• Individuals with acute infection
• Individuals with middle ear pathologies (e.g., tympanic membrane rupture or otitis)
• Individuals with a history of spontaneous or trauma-related pneumothorax
• Current smokers
• Pregnant individuals
• Individuals with a STOP-Bang score of 3 or higher
• Individuals currently participating in a structured weight-loss diet program or receiving medical treatment for weight reduction during the assessment period
• Individuals who underwent endoscopic intervention and/or bariatric surgery within the last year