Efficacy of Oropharyngeal Exercises for Patients With Residual Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Mandibular Advancement Device

What this Trial Is About

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly blocks during sleep, causing symptoms such as snoring, interrupted breathing, daytime sleepiness, and concentration problems. This research evaluates oropharyngeal muscle training as an additional treatment for patients with residual OSA who use a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) but have not achieved expected symptom relief. The study aims to assess changes in muscle strength, tongue shape seen by ultrasound, severity of sleep interruptions, and related symptoms. Participants diagnosed with OSA who use MAD will be divided into two groups: one receiving 12 weeks of oropharyngeal muscle training combined with MAD, and a control group continuing MAD alone. The training involves weekly visits to adjust intensity and home exercises lasting 30 minutes, 1 to 3 times daily, 3 to 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Both groups will have assessments before and after this period. During the study, participants will undergo tests measuring tongue and jaw muscle strength and endurance, ultrasound imaging of the tongue and throat, sleep physiological tests, and sleep-related questionnaires. The primary outcome is the apnea-hypopnea index measured from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in tongue muscle strength, jaw strength, endurance, and tongue thickness. The total study duration for each participant is 12 weeks with regular follow-up visits.

Efficacy of Oropharyngeal Exercises for Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Mandibular Advancement Device