Correlation between Breath Hold Time and Nijmegen Questionnaire scores among patients referred to respiratory physiotherapy practice for Hyperventilation Syndrome – a retrospective study

Background: While there is an increasing interest given to Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS), there is also a lack of consistency in the literature concerning its diagnosis and treatment. Breath Hold Time (BHT) is a simple, feasible clinical test already used in other conditions. It’s thought to be the reflect of peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity. To our knowledge, no data confirms its utility in identifying HSV. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to assess the correlation between NQ scores and subscores and the Breath-Holding Time (BHT) in patients seeking consultation with a physiotherapist for HVS. Method: We conducted a retrospective study in an ambulatory respiratory physiotherapy practice. Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) scores and BHT were extracted from patient’s files attending their first physiotherapy session between march 2018 and march 2022. Correlation between NQ scores and BHT was calculated using Pearson’s test. Optimal cut-off for BHT was calculated with a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and BHT sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: 109 patients files meeting inclusion criteria were included. A low negative correlation (-0.302) between BHT and NQ total score was found. Sensitivity and specificity, using an NQ score ≥ 23 as the case definition, were 0.558 and 0.714, respectively. Conclusion: These preliminary results show a low negative correlation between BHT and HVS symptoms.