A. Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a sport rooted in science that targets the growth of muscles and body systems via specialised equipment and a structured training regimen. The program is pre-designed and intends to cultivate strength and endurance through repetition and progressive overload. By committing to this process, athletes can make remarkable improvements in their physical capabilities and esthetics [1].

Nowadays, in line with the expansion of the fitness industry, physical fitness is now an integral aspect of daily life. Bodybuilding and muscularity have become integral parts of men’s physical fitness regimes [2].

Psychological research has demonstrated that men who aspire to an idealised body image tend to suffer from lower levels of self-esteem, self-confidence and body satisfaction. Additionally, they exhibit dysfunctional patterns of thinking coupled with behaviours such as the misuse of anabolic steroids or similar substances. Other related concerns such as exercise addiction, unwarranted cosmetic interventions and inappropriate dieting are also commonly reported amongst those pursuing bodybuilding [3].

The desire for a well-proportioned and symmetrical physique dates back to the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Physical training was highly valued by the Greeks, and it played a significant role in their economic, social, and political lives. The training regimes of the ancient Greeks, conducted in palaestras and gymnasiums, also continue within contemporary fitness centres. A wide latissimus dorsi muscle, strong biceps and triceps, broad deltoids, and a narrow waist were indications of masculinity and physical health in ancient Greece. Surviving statues of Olympians and deities from that era reflect this trend. The tradition of bodybuilding and exercise dates back to ancient times, predating contemporary competitions and feats of strength that have gained popularity in recent years. Since ancient times, people have recognized that lifting affects physical fitness and improves muscular strength and muscular endurance [4].

B. Training

The definition of training in the sports community is to prepare athletes to perform at their highest level of efficiency. These expressions are aimed at achieving the optimal level of readiness for athletes. Sports training can be more specifically defined as the physical, mental, and psychological preparation of individuals engaged in sporting activities through various physical exercises, such as strength and endurance exercises, as well as training methods and techniques. In general, sports training refers to "all the systematic methods of preparation that allow athletes to achieve their best athletic performance." This involves education and activities that entail self-growth and training for the sportsman, in addition to enhancing their athletic performance [5].

C. Dyspnea

Dyspnea is the perception of breathing with difficulty and the inability to breathe comfortably. It is characterized by laboured and uncomfortable breathing [6]. The American Thoracic Society describes dyspnea as a condition or experience characterized by a subjective difficulty in breathing, the severity of which varies qualitatively from individual to individual [7]. Dyspnea, a prevalent symptom among millions of individuals with lung conditions, could be an initial indication of various illnesses such as anaemia, myocardial ischaemia, neuromuscular distress, obesity, and anxiety reactions. A patient’s description of dyspnea may help us to understand the pathophysiology of the underlying causes of the condition [8,9].

Old age, strenuous exercise, high altitude, poor fitness levels, and breathing difficulties may cause dyspnea in healthy adults [10]. Dyspnea, like pain, also has a psychological component. Emotional state, an individual’s structure, and their level of consciousness can all have an impact. In unforeseen circumstances, if an individual perceives danger, dyspnea may become even more severe. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) report defines dyspnea as a personal breathing disorder caused by unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations of varying intensity, without expressing subjective evaluations. Abbreviated technical terms are always explained upon first use. The structure follows a logical progression with causal connections between statements. Precise subject-specific terms are used throughout. Spelling follows British English standards, including "colour" and "centre". The origins of the term reveal that it stems from "dys: power, causing pain" and "pneumea: breathing". The text maintains proper style, adhering to grammatical and citation conventions. The language used is formal, objective, and free from ornamental language and colloquialisms, favoring hedging to express positions. The state of panic experienced by unwell individuals due to breathing difficulties heightens the respiratory burden and leads to gradual inactivity, ultimately resulting in a state of powerlessness. As such, dyspnea is a crucial factor affecting patients’ quality of life, particularly those coping with airway, chest wall and lung parenchymal disorders. Accurate identification of dyspnea symptoms plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment and planning of rehabilitation interventions [11].

This study aims to identify the degree of dyspnea that bodybuilding and fitness athletes experience during training and suggest possible solutions. Additionally, by examining the dyspnea status of individuals engaged in these sports, it may contribute to addressing relevant issues.

A. Research Model

This study was carried out following the "relational survey" model, which is one of several descriptive survey models. Surveys are research approaches used to describe the current or past state of a given situation. The participants for this study were chosen using the convenience sampling method [12,13].

B. Research Group

In the context of our research on the application process, all participants voluntarily took part. The participants were provided with necessary explanations and the research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. In this study, the population was made up of individuals who were members of bodybuilding and fitness centres situated in Diyarbakır. The sample included 379 individuals that voluntarily participated in the study, 209 of whom were male and 170 of whom were female, between the ages of 18-32 (with an average age of 24.2±3.93 years). All participants had been engaged in this sport for at least 1 year and were selected using a simple random sampling method.

C. Data Collection Tools

The main data collection tools in the study consisted of the Dyspnea-12 scale developed by Yorke et al. (2010) and the Turkish reliability and validity study conducted by Gök Metin and Helvacı (2018), which included demographic variables and descriptive information of the participants.

D. Demographic Variables Information Form

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a symptom that can affect all individuals, regardless of their gender or age. Although this symptom is present in various sports disciplines, it can also occur in individuals who are interested in bodybuilding and fitness. Consequently, the study included variables such as participants’ gender, age, smoking status, chronic disease status, and whether they had been diagnosed with Covid-19.

E. Dyspnea -12 Scale

The Yorke et al. (2010) developed a four-point Likert scale with 12 statements to measure dyspnea’s severity, ranging from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). In a Turkish reliability and validity study by Gök Metin and Helvacı (2018), the scale exhibited a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.97. The scale consists of two sub-dimensions- emotional and physical. The initial 7 queries on the scale assess the physical constraints that individuals with dyspnea undergo, encompassing problems with air intake and breathing, as well as the effort required. The remaining 5 queries investigate emotional states such as stress, irritability and depression that may develop alongside dyspnea. The physical dimension of the scale has the highest score of 21, whereas the emotional dimension has a score of up to 15. In total, the scale ranges from 0 to 36. Observations on dyspnea severity indicate a positive correlation with the scale scores, whereby the severity of dyspnea increases with higher scores [14].

F. Statistical analysis

The data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 package. Demographic information and data collection tool parameters were utilized to determine the arithmetic mean (X), standard deviation (SD), maximum (Max), and minimum (Min) values. To identify the normality distribution of the data, skewness and kurtosis values were calculated. After verifying the assumptions of parametric tests, the correlation between variables was examined through Pearson Correlation Test, and the differences among independent groups were determined through Independent Samples T-Test. Statistical significance p<0.05 was considered acceptable [16].

The obtained data follow a normal distribution, as evidenced by both the skewness and kurtosis values falling within the range of ±1.50 as determined through the administered normality test [17]. Table 1 shows that the total score and all sub-dimension scores obtained using the Dyspnea-12 Scale, which assesses dyspnea experienced by individuals during bodybuilding and fitness training, follow a normal distribution as indicated by the kurtosis and skewness values. Technical abbreviations such as Dyspnea-12 Scale will be explained as they are used.

All of the study’s findings are accessible in tables. Table 2 details the frequency of gender and the mean, standard deviation, and minimum-maximum values of age status among the participants’ demographic information.

Table 2 presents the study group composed of a total of 379 athletes, comprising 209 males and 170 females. The average age of male athletes was 24.67 (±4.13) years, while that of female athletes was 23.65 (±3.61) years, resulting in a total average age of athletes in the study to be 24.21 (±3.93) years. Moreover, the age range of participants was between 18 and 32 years, irrespective of gender.

Table 3 presents the gender-based frequency and percentage distributions of the responses to the demographic information questionnaire. The findings reveal that smoking was reported by 43.1% of male and 34.7% of female participants. Moreover, 14.8% of males and 17.6% of females were diagnosed with chronic diseases. Additionally, 40.2% of males and 35.3% of females were diagnosed with Covid-19. Thirty-nine point three percent of participants were smokers, while 16.1% had chronic conditions and 38% received a Covid-19 diagnosis.

Table 4 displays the scores obtained from the Dyspnea-12 Scale and its related sub-dimensions, which assess the dyspnea experienced by bodybuilding and fitness athletes during training. The Physical sub-dimension had a mean score of 5.49±3.71, the Emotional sub-dimension had a mean score of 5.18±3.31, and the total Dyspnea-12 Scale score was 10.68±6.70. In addition, the sub-dimensions had a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 13, with a total scale score ranging from 2 to 25.

Table 5 reveals that the study found a statistically significant difference in the emotional sub-dimension of the Dyspnea-12 scale based on the gender of the participants (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found in the physical sub-dimension and total score. In the overall scale score, the average score of male individuals (11.01) exceeded that of their female counterparts (10.27).

Table 6 analysis shows a significant difference in the Dyspnea-12 score and all its sub-dimensions between smokers and non-smokers (p<0.01). Smokers obtained a higher mean score (5.49) compared to non-smokers (4.76).

Table 7 displays a significant variation in scores between the Dyspnea-12 scale and all sub-dimensions for individuals participating in the study, based on their chronic disease status (p<0.01). The mean scores of individuals with chronic disease indicated higher scores than those without chronic disease across all dimensions of Dyspnea-12.

When examining Table 8, a significant difference was found between the Dyspnea-12 scale and sub-dimension scores of the study participants based on their Covid-19 diagnosis status (p<0.01). The mean scores of individuals diagnosed with Covid-19 in both the Dyspnea-12 scale and its sub-dimensions were higher than those of individuals without a diagnosis.

Table 9 depicts the correlation between the overall score of the Dyspnea-12 Scale, its sub-dimension scores, and the age of the participants. The study found a positive and statistically significant relationship (p<0.01) between the age of the participants and both the total scores of the Dyspnea-12 scale and all its sub-dimensions.

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea as referred to in literature, is characterised by an individual’s inability to breathe adequately. It occurs when an individual experiences difficulty filling their entire lung capacity with the air they inhale during breathing, resulting in a feeling of breathing differently from normal. In addition to complains such as dyspnea, hyperventilation and air hunger, shortness of breath manifests itself through signals like struggling to climb stairs that were previously easy, feeling slower than others on level ground, needing frequent stops and breaths. This condition can be due to an increased workload on the heart or respiratory problems in the individual [18]. In this study, which investigated dyspnea in individuals participating in bodybuilding and fitness sports, it was found that age and shortness of breath were related. Specifically, shortness of breath increased with age, and furthermore, male individuals, smokers, those with chronic diseases, and those diagnosed with Covid-19 experienced more difficulties with dyspnea. In this context, the discussion focussed on socio-demographic characteristics and the severity of dyspnea, while considering various variables in accordance with the literature.

When reviewing the literature on the dyspnea status of individuals, it was found that Amado et al. reported a mean of 12.32 ± 7.64 on the Dyspnea-12 Scale [19]. In our investigation, comparable to past studies, all individuals had a mean Dyspnea-12 total dimension score of 10.68±6.70.

When analyzing dyspnea severity levels by gender, it was found that females with chronic diseases at the same stage as males experienced higher levels of dyspnea severity [20,21]. The study by DeMeo et al. (2018) examined 2522 individuals under 65 years old and revealed that females experienced greater dyspnea severity in comparison to males [21]. There is a belief that this discrepancy in circumstances, specifically regarding dyspnea among different genders, negatively affects females. This can be attributed to various factors such as anatomical, hormonal, biological, genetic, social, and environmental factors. Additionally, it is believed that females are more vulnerable to dyspnea due to their increased susceptibility to smoking, a significant factor that leads to faster deterioration in lung function [20-23]. While the results of our study are consistent with the existing literature, we also found conflicting results. Our results suggest that male individuals experience a higher level of dyspnea during exercise compared to their female counterparts, depending on the branch of sport in which they participate. It is plausible that this can be attributed to numerous dependent variables, including smoking, among male individuals in our research group. Proper acknowledgment of this is necessary for future research in this area.

Age impacts the severity of dyspnea. The literature reports that dyspnea severity remained constant across different ages in certain studies [24]. However, some studies discovered that dyspnea severity increased with advanced age [25]. Sharma et al. (2019) reported a significant correlation between age and dyspnea in their study, with dyspnea severity increasing as age increased [26]. Our study, in line with existing literature, identified a correlation between age and dyspnea severity during exercise, with dyspnea severity increasing as individuals grew older.

Smoking significantly impacts patients’ health status and the severity of dyspnea. Numerous studies have reported that the duration and amount of smoking increase the severity of dyspnea [25-28]. In line with existing literature, our study found a positive correlation between smoking levels among participants in our research group and the severity of dyspnea experienced during bodybuilding and fitness training. Specifically, we observed that increasing smoking levels were associated with greater dyspnea severity.

Dyspnea is a noteworthy predictor of mortality, particularly in older age groups [29,30]. The perception of dyspnea originates from a complex system that involves the coupling of respiration and muscle activity, motor impulses from both the medulla and motor cortex, alongside spinal motor neurons. This system transmits affective information to higher centres that are influenced by breathing-related signals and cognitive behavioural factors. Consequently, dyspnea is not simply a single perception, but rather a disorganised perception that relies upon multiple systems [31]. It is advisable to assess dyspnea in three distinct categories: emotional, sensory, and daily life impact or burden [29]. Akıncı and colleagues (2021) conducted a study evaluating the emotional and physical perceptions of dyspnea as well as dyspnea related to activity among individuals over the age of 65. The results showed that the Dyspnea-12 total score and sub-dimension scores of the participants were lower compared to those of individuals with chronic diseases (such as COPD and asthma) in the literature [32-34]. In this research, we found that individuals with chronic diseases experienced higher dyspnea severity during bodybuilding and fitness training compared to those without chronic diseases. Our results are consistent with previous literature suggesting an association between chronic diseases and the severity of breathlessness.

The study concluded that individuals participating in bodybuilding and fitness sports training experience more severe dyspnea. Male individuals, smokers, those with chronic illnesses, and those diagnosed with Covid-19 have a higher likelihood of experiencing it, regardless of gender. Additionally, age is a factor in dyspnea severity, with increasing age corresponding to greater severity. The study’s discoveries indicate that bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts should consider socio-demographic parameters in addition to relevant dyspnea variables that emerge during training, to create personalized guidance and training programs for individuals at risk of dyspnea.

The authors declare no conflict of interests. All authors read and approved final version of the paper.

All authors contributed equally in this paper.

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