Oromyofunctional Training: an Innovative Rehabilitation Program for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What this Trial Is About

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition affecting children's health and quality of life, especially those with Down syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome. These children often have factors like mouth breathing, narrow airways, and muscle weakness that increase their risk of OSA. Standard treatment is adenotonsillectomy, but many still have OSA after surgery, so new treatments are needed. This research evaluates orofacial myofunctional therapy as a possible treatment to improve airway function in these children. Orofacial myofunctional therapy involves exercises to correct abnormal mouth and throat functions and strengthen muscles that keep the airway open. This study provides 20 weeks of this therapy to children with OSA and Down syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome. The therapy aims to improve breathing and sleep by targeting muscle function. The study collects both objective measurements and patient-reported outcomes before and after the therapy period. Participants will undergo assessments before starting therapy and after completing 20 weeks of exercises. These include sleep studies measuring airway obstruction, scores evaluating mouth and throat function, muscle strength tests, and quality of life questionnaires. Researchers will track changes in OSA severity and related symptoms to understand the therapy's impact. The study is led by University Ghent and involves children aged 4 to 18 years with specific diagnoses.

Oromyofunctional Therapy: a Rehabilitation Program for OSA in Children With Down Syndrome and Prader-Willi Syndrome