Healthy Young AdultsNCT07311837
Investigating the Relationships Between Body Composition, Peripheral Muscle Strength, and Cough Force in Healthy Young Adults
An observational study of Healthy Young Adults, run by Nigde Omer Halisdemir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is a key parameter used for obesity classification and the evaluation and monitoring of individuals' health status. Obesity, described by the World Health Organization as a major global epidemic, remains one of the most significant preventable and manageable conditions contributing… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Young Adults
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Feb 2026to 15 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Healthy young individuals
Who may be able to join
- Individuals between the ages of 18-30 who volunteered to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Individuals who have a serious orthopedic, neurological or systemic disease that would prevent participation in the study and who do not volunteer to participate in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Bor Health Sciences
Niğde, 51200
About this study
Official title: Investigating the Relationships Between Body Composition, Waist/Hip Ratio, Peripheral Muscle Strength, and Cough Force in Healthy Young Adults
Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is a key parameter used for obesity classification and the evaluation and monitoring of individuals' health status. Obesity, described by the World Health Organization as a major global epidemic, remains one of the most significant preventable and manageable conditions contributing to increased risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In addition to BMI, anthropometric measurements such as the waist-to-hip ratio are crucial indicators for risk assessment. While numerous studies in the literature have addressed the detrimental effects of obesity on respiratory functions, no study has specifically examined the relationship between cough strength-a vital respiratory parameter that reflects expiratory muscle strength- and body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, and peripheral muscle strength. Furthermore, although several studies have investigated the association between grip strength-a recognized indicator of peripheral muscle function in healthy individuals-and cough strength, no research to date has explored the relationship between pinch grip strength and cough strength.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationships among body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, peripheral muscle strength, and cough strength in healthy young adults.
Read more
Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis. After providing detailed information about the study to potential participants, written informed consent will be obtained in duplicate from those who agree to participate. Following the completion of a general assessment form that captures demographic characteristics, each participant's height will be measured using a measuring tape. Body composition parameters-including body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, total body water percentage, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and metabolic age-will be assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis device (Tanita) available at our faculty.
Waist and hip circumferences will be measured and used to calculate the waist-to-hip ratio for each participant. Peripheral muscle strength will be assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and a pinch meter, while cough strength will be evaluated using a peak cough expiratory flow meter (PEF meter). All measurements will be repeated three times, with the best result recorded for analysis. Results: Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 30 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Normality of continuous variables will be assessed through normality tests, coefficient of variation, and graphical representations (e.g., histograms, detrended plots). Descriptive statistics will be presented as mean ± standard deviation for normally distributed variables, and as median and interquartile range for non-normally distributed variables. Categorical variables will be expressed as percentages (%). Pearson correlation analysis will be used for normally distributed variables, and Spearman correlation analysis for non-normally distributed ones. The appropriate correlation coefficients and p-values will be reported. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Discussion: Interpretation will be based on the results of the statistical analyses.
Read the detailed description
Body mass index (BMI) is an important parameter used to assess and monitor the health status of individuals by classifying obesity. Obesity, defined as a major epidemic by the World Health Organization, is the most important preventable and controllable problem that increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It is estimated that more than 1 billion adults worldwide will be obese by 2030 (1,2). The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing dependence on technology are increasing the sedentary population and changing dietary habits, thereby increasing obesity rates (3,4). In addition to BMI, the waist-to-hip ratio, an anthropometric measurement, is also an important parameter in determining risk. In individuals with abdominal fat or atrophy in large muscle groups, waist circumference may be larger than hip circumference. This results in a high waist-to-hip ratio (5). Many studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have reported higher COVID-19-related mortality rates in countries with obese or overweight individuals. This situation has revealed that overweight and obese individuals are a highly vulnerable group to epidemic diseases (1). Furthermore, the literature has addressed the mechanical effects of obesity on the respiratory system, and its relationship with asthma and other respiratory diseases has been discussed (6,7). It has been reported that all respiratory function parameters are negatively affected in obese individuals with a high BMI, and other physiological mechanisms affecting respiratory mechanics are not yet understood (8-11). It is known that the abdominal muscles, which are active during forced expiration, are associated with cough force, a forced expiratory maneuver. It is thought that cough force will decrease with increasing BMI and obesity, along with weakening of the abdominal wall muscles and abdominal fat accumulation. While there are studies in the literature mentioning the negative effects of obesity on respiratory function and reporting that grip strength is related to cough force in healthy individuals (12), no studies have been found on the relationship between cough force, an important respiratory parameter that reflects expiratory muscle strength, and body composition, waist/hip ratio, and peripheral muscle strength. Our study will be the first and pioneering study to investigate the relationships between body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, peripheral muscle strength, and cough strength in healthy young adults. Furthermore, the fact that body composition will be measured using the body analysis system, the gold standard method, increases the originality of our study. One of the unique merits of our study is that it will reveal the relationships between body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, peripheral muscle strength, and cough strength in individuals known to be healthy and free of chronic diseases.
- Conditions
- Healthy Young Adults
- Keywords
- Body composition, Waist-to-hip ratio, Peripheral muscle strength, Peak expiratory flow, Cough strength
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Young Adults | Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who volunteer to participate in the study will be included in the study. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Body weight
It expresses body weight in kilograms.
Measured: Baseline
Body mass index
Body weight (kg) divided by the square of height (m2)
Measured: Baseline
Body fat ratio
A measure of body fat in percent (%).
Measured: Baseline
Body fluid ratio
A measure of the amount of fluid in the body expressed as a percentage (%).
Measured: Baseline
Muscle ratio
The measure that expresses the lean body weight, that is, the muscle ratio in the body.
Measured: Baseline
Basal metabolic rate
It is defined as the amount of calories the body burns while performing its basic, basal life-sustaining function (kcal and kj)
Measured: Baseline
Metabolic age
Metabolic age is a measure of how efficiently your body's metabolism works compared to other individuals in your age group (years).
Measured: Baseline
Cough strength
Cough strength is the measure that expresses peak-expiratory flow (PEF) during cough. It is measured with a PEF-meter.
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (3)
Waist-hip ratio
It is the result measure expressing the ratio of waist circumference measurement (cm) to hip circumference measurement (cm).
Measured: Baseline
Handgrip strength
Handgrip strength (HGS) is a simple and reliable measurement of maximum voluntary muscle strength. It is defined as an index of upper limb strength and functional recovery, measured using tools like the dynamometer, which is considered the gold standard for its reliability and validity.
Measured: Baseline
Pinch strength
Pinch strength refers to the force exerted during precision grasp activities, specifically when the thumb tip contacts the tip of one or more fingers, such as in two-point pinch or three-point pinch configurations. It is a critical component of hand function that involves the coordinated action of the thumb and fingers.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted31 Dec 2025
- Study start15 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Mar 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy Young AdultsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nazire Nur YILDIZ, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
- Investigators
- Nazire Nur YILDIZ, Ph.D., Study chair, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07311837
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025/09-10-TUBITAK 2209-A
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 31 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Since the work has not started yet, it cannot be shared.
Publications
Mafort TT, Rufino R, Costa CH, Lopes AJ. Obesity: systemic and pulmonary complications, biochemical abnormalities, and impairment of lung function. Multidiscip Respir Med. 2016 Jul 12;11:28. doi: 10.1186/s40248-016-0066-z. eCollection 2016.
PubMed 27408717
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigating the Relationships Between Body Composition, Waist/Hip Ratio, Peripheral Muscle Strength, and Cough Force in Healthy Young Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07311837
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025/09-10-TUBITAK 2209-A
- Conditions
- Healthy Young Adults
- Keywords
- Body composition, Waist-to-hip ratio, Peripheral muscle strength, Peak expiratory flow, Cough strength
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Nigde Omer Halisdemir UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 15 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 31 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is a key parameter used for obesity classification and the evaluation and monitoring of individuals' health status. Obesity, described by the World Health Organization as a major global epidemic, remains one of the most significant preventable and manageable conditions contributing to increased risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In addition to BMI, anthropometric measurements such as the waist-to-hip ratio are crucial indicators for risk assessment. While numerous studies in the literature have addressed the detrimental effects of obesity on respiratory functions, no study has specifically examined the relationship between cough strength-a vital respiratory parameter that reflects expiratory muscle strength- and body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, and peripheral muscle strength. Furthermore, although several studies have investigated the association between grip strength-a recognized indicator of peripheral muscle function in healthy individuals-and cough strength, no research to date has explored the relationship between pinch grip strength and cough strength.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationships among body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, peripheral muscle strength, and cough strength in healthy young adults.
Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis. After providing detailed information about the study to potential participants, written informed consent will be obtained in duplicate from those who agree to participate. Following the completion of a general assessment form that captures demographic characteristics, each participant's height will be measured using a measuring tape. Body composition parameters-including body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, total body water percentage, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and metabolic age-will be assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis device (Tanita) available at our faculty.
Waist and hip circumferences will be measured and used to calculate the waist-to-hip ratio for each participant. Peripheral muscle strength will be assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and a pinch meter, while cough strength will be evaluated using a peak cough expiratory flow meter (PEF meter). All measurements will be repeated three times, with the best result recorded for analysis. Results: Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 30 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Normality of continuous variables will be assessed through normality tests, coefficient of variation, and graphical representations (e.g., histograms, detrended plots). Descriptive statistics will be presented as mean ± standard deviation for normally distributed variables, and as median and interquartile range for non-normally distributed variables. Categorical variables will be expressed as percentages (%). Pearson correlation analysis will be used for normally distributed variables, and Spearman correlation analysis for non-normally distributed ones. The appropriate correlation coefficients and p-values will be reported. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Discussion: Interpretation will be based on the results of the statistical analyses.
Detailed description
Body mass index (BMI) is an important parameter used to assess and monitor the health status of individuals by classifying obesity. Obesity, defined as a major epidemic by the World Health Organization, is the most important preventable and controllable problem that increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It is estimated that more than 1 billion adults worldwide will be obese by 2030 (1,2). The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing dependence on technology are increasing the sedentary population and changing dietary habits, thereby increasing obesity rates (3,4). In addition to BMI, the waist-to-hip ratio, an anthropometric measurement, is also an important parameter in determining risk. In individuals with abdominal fat or atrophy in large muscle groups, waist circumference may be larger than hip circumference. This results in a high waist-to-hip ratio (5). Many studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have reported higher COVID-19-related mortality rates in countries with obese or overweight individuals. This situation has revealed that overweight and obese individuals are a highly vulnerable group to epidemic diseases (1). Furthermore, the literature has addressed the mechanical effects of obesity on the respiratory system, and its relationship with asthma and other respiratory diseases has been discussed (6,7). It has been reported that all respiratory function parameters are negatively affected in obese individuals with a high BMI, and other physiological mechanisms affecting respiratory mechanics are not yet understood (8-11). It is known that the abdominal muscles, which are active during forced expiration, are associated with cough force, a forced expiratory maneuver. It is thought that cough force will decrease with increasing BMI and obesity, along with weakening of the abdominal wall muscles and abdominal fat accumulation. While there are studies in the literature mentioning the negative effects of obesity on respiratory function and reporting that grip strength is related to cough force in healthy individuals (12), no studies have been found on the relationship between cough force, an important respiratory parameter that reflects expiratory muscle strength, and body composition, waist/hip ratio, and peripheral muscle strength. Our study will be the first and pioneering study to investigate the relationships between body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, peripheral muscle strength, and cough strength in healthy young adults. Furthermore, the fact that body composition will be measured using the body analysis system, the gold standard method, increases the originality of our study. One of the unique merits of our study is that it will reveal the relationships between body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, peripheral muscle strength, and cough strength in individuals known to be healthy and free of chronic diseases.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case only
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Young Adults | – | –Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who volunteer to participate in the study will be included in the study. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Healthy young individuals
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Individuals between the ages of 18-30 who volunteered to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Individuals who have a serious orthopedic, neurological or systemic disease that would prevent participation in the study and who do not volunteer to participate in the study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Body weight
Time frame: Baseline
It expresses body weight in kilograms.
Body mass index
Time frame: Baseline
Body weight (kg) divided by the square of height (m2)
Body fat ratio
Time frame: Baseline
A measure of body fat in percent (%).
Body fluid ratio
Time frame: Baseline
A measure of the amount of fluid in the body expressed as a percentage (%).
Muscle ratio
Time frame: Baseline
The measure that expresses the lean body weight, that is, the muscle ratio in the body.
Basal metabolic rate
Time frame: Baseline
It is defined as the amount of calories the body burns while performing its basic, basal life-sustaining function (kcal and kj)
Metabolic age
Time frame: Baseline
Metabolic age is a measure of how efficiently your body's metabolism works compared to other individuals in your age group (years).
Cough strength
Time frame: Baseline
Cough strength is the measure that expresses peak-expiratory flow (PEF) during cough. It is measured with a PEF-meter.
3 secondary outcomes
Waist-hip ratio
Time frame: Baseline
Handgrip strength
Time frame: Baseline
Pinch strength
Time frame: Baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 27408717Mafort TT, Rufino R, Costa CH, Lopes AJ. Obesity: systemic and pulmonary complications, biochemical abnormalities, and impairment of lung function. Multidiscip Respir Med. 2016 Jul 12;11:28. doi: 10.1186/s40248-016-0066-z. eCollection 2016.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Since the work has not started yet, it cannot be shared.
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Healthy Volunteers
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Nazire Nur YILDIZ, Ph.D. study chair
Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Healthy Young Adults, run by Nigde Omer Halisdemir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Nazire Nur YILDIZ, Ph.D. (+905444184376, nazirenuryildiz@ohu.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Body weight (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07311837, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 31 Dec 2025.