Oropharyngeal Exercises to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Jan 3, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of oropharyngeal exercises (OPEs) as a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Traditionally, many patients use a machine called CPAP to help with this condition, but not everyone can tolerate it well. The researchers want to find out if a specific set of exercises can help improve sleep apnea symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and overall quality of life instead of relying on CPAP.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 74, have been diagnosed with OSA, and have either been unable to use CPAP or prefer not to use it. Participants will be divided into different groups: some will do the exercises under supervision, others will do them on their own, and some will receive a sham (fake) treatment. Over 10 weeks, they will follow a routine using an app to guide the exercises, and researchers will check how well the program works at different points. This trial is currently recruiting, and findings will help shape future studies on the effectiveness of these exercises for OSA treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with OSA (defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥10/hr) in whom \>50% of the respiratory events are obstructive in nature
• • Patients who are unwilling to use CPAP or have been unable to tolerate CPAP after at least a 2-week trial
• • Patients who are also not using an equipment-based treatment modality (e.g. PAP therapy, a dental appliance, or hypoglossal nerve stimulation) or surgery to manage their OSA.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Planned airway surgery, use of CPAP, a dental appliance, or other equipment-based treatment modality to manage OSA during the course of the study
• • Central respiratory events account for ≥50% of the overall apnea-hypopnea index
• • Reduced cognition (MoCA\<18)
• • Any significant neurological condition that could impact oropharyngeal activity
• • Use of medications that may impact tone of the upper airway (e.g. hypnotics, opiates) ≥3 nights per week during the 4 weeks prior to randomization
• • Use of a medical device that would interfere with the use of the home sleep apnea test
• • Plans to move to another city during the study that would impact compliance.