Effects of Frequency Adjustment in Functional Electrical Stimulation on Genioglossus Muscle Activity
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
28 participants
Jan 6, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This single-group interventional study investigates the safety and physiologic effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the tongue and submental muscles in adults at high risk for sleep apnea. Participants will receive five stimulation frequencies (15, 25, 35, 45, and 75 Hz) in randomized order during a single visit. Ultrasound and tongue pressure (IOPI) measurements, as well as subjective assessments of discomfort and perceived effects, will be conducted before, during, and after stimulation. The primary objective is to evaluate changes in muscle thickness, length, and tongue strength across different stimulation frequencies. Secondary objectives include assessing participant discomfort, safety, and subjective treatment effects.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Adults aged 19 years or older
- STOP questionnaire score ≥ 2
- Able to read and write in Korean
- Voluntarily provides written informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria9
- Refusal to undergo study procedures or failure to provide informed consent
- Cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that interfere with the ability to follow study instructions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to electrical stimulation pads or related materials (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene)
- Skin conditions preventing application of electrical stimulation (e.g., hypersensitive skin)
- Medical conditions considered unsuitable for participation by the investigator (e.g., epilepsy, malignant tumor, high fever, diabetes mellitus, use of anticoagulants, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, hemophilia)
- Infectious disease or local conditions at the stimulation site (e.g., inflammation, wounds, abscess, edema)
- Known cardiac disease or presence of a cardiac pacemaker or implanted electrical stimulation device
- History of surgery involving the submental area or upper airway region
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Interventions
A functional electrical stimulation device is applied to the submental region using surface adhesive electrodes. Stimulation is delivered at five different frequencies (15, 25, 35, 45, and 75 Hz) in randomized sequence during a single study visit. Each frequency is administered within the same session to evaluate immediate physiologic responses of the tongue muscles. Participants are blinded to the stimulation frequency applied during each condition.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07466888