Work

Effectiveness of strenghtning oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy combined with cervical spine exercises in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: , ODI, TC90, Supine AHI), daytime sleepiness and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomised clinical trial with 32 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, assigned into two groups: control (n = 16) and intervention (n = 16). Both groups received hygiene- and diet-related recommendations, and the intervention group completed an OMT programme and cervical spine exercises over 20 weeks (May 2023-November 2024). The respiratory variables were evaluated using respiratory polygraphy, and daytime sleepiness and quality of life were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and EuroQol-5D scales, respectively. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups (Median [IQR]): Apnoea-hypopnoea index (2.0 [-6/6], CI 95%, p = 0.86), Mean oxygen saturation (-0.5 [-1/0], CI 95%, p = 0.43), Oxygen Desaturation index (1.0 [-1/5], CI 95%, p = 0.72), Time with oxygen saturation below 90% (1.0 [0/3], CI 95%, p = 0.10), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (-1.5 [-4/0], CI 95%, p = 0.83), and EuroQol-5D quality of life questionnaire (5.0 [0-10], CI 95% p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The comprehensive 20-week OMT programme and cervical spine exercises showed no effectiveness in improving respiratory parameters, daytime sleepiness or quality of life in patients with mild to moderate OSA compared to hygiene- and diet-related measures alone. The null results observed in this study suggest relevant clinical implications, such as the limited efficacy of low-frequency OMT protocols.

Source: Sleep And Breathing

DOI: 10.1007/s11325-025-03487-w

Authors: Teresa Díaz de Terán, Javier Bolado, Patricia Palomo, Pedro Muñoz, Carmen de Labra, Mónica González