Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse. While surgery is a common treatment, its success rates are variable. Myofunctional therapy (MFT), a program of targeted oropharyngeal exercises, has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment to improve surgical outcomes. This study prospectively compared outcomes in adult patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who received postoperative MFT (OP+MFT) versus those who underwent surgery alone (OP). Following surgery, patients were allocated to either the OP+MFT group, which began a 12-week MFT program, or the OP-only group. Polysomnography (PSG) was performed at baseline and at 3 and 12 months post-surgery. The study found that the OP+MFT group showed significantly greater improvements in key sleep parameters, including the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation, compared to the OP group. These benefits were most pronounced at the 3-month follow-up, supporting the conclusion that postoperative MFT is a safe and effective adjunct to surgery for OSA.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Change in Apnea-Hypopnea Index
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months post-surgery, and 12 months post-surgery