RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05678088

Oropharyngeal Exercises to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Strengthening Oropharyngeal Muscles as a Novel Approach to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Feasibility Study


Sponsor

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Enrollment

45 participants

Start Date

Mar 28, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

The goal of this study is to determine whether a randomized controlled trial using oropharyngeal exercises to treat sleep apnea is feasible. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard therapy for Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it is poorly tolerated by many patients. Oropharyngeal exercises (OPEs) which are commonly used by speech-language pathologists to improve oro-motor strength, may serve as a promising alternative approach. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Is it feasible to use an oropharyngeal exercise protocol in patients with sleep apnea? * Will oropharyngeal exercises improve sleep apnea severity, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, mood, workplace performance, and quality of life Participants will be randomized into a supervised OPE intervention arm vs. unsupervised OPE intervention arm vs. sham treatment for a 10-week/5-day per week/two 20-minute session exercise protocol. The exercises will be administered via an app and the investigators will assess feasibility, as well as several sleep-related and oro-motor physiological outcomes before treatment, immediately post-treatment, and 4 weeks post-treatment. The investigators will use the results of this feasibility trial to inform the sample size needed for a larger clinical trial that will determine the efficacy of using oropharyngeal exercises to treat OSA.


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called Oropharyngeal Exercises and a behavioral approach called Sham Exercises for people with obstructive sleep apnea. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALOropharyngeal Exercises

The participant will practice exercises designed to strengthen the tongue and pharyngeal muscles

BEHAVIORALSham Exercises

The participant will practice exercises that have no impact on oropharyngeal (e.g., base of the tongue) muscle strength.


Locations(1)

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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NCT05678088


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