Myofunctional therapy for OSA: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Myofunctional therapy (MT) improves obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients.

Areas Covered

We systematically reviewed publications to evaluate MT as a treatment for OSA. We identified relevant articles and performed a meta-analysis on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores, lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Search databases were retained as primary data sources with the search performed through 18 June 2021.

Expert Opinion

Fifteen studies with 237 patients provided OSA outcomes before and after MT, which were analyzed for this meta-analysis. The mean AHI scores decreased from 28.0 ± 16.2/h to 18.6 ± 13.1/h. The AHI standard mean difference (SMD) is −1.34 (large effect) [95% CI −0.84, −1.85], (P < 0.00001). LSAT (197 patients) improved from 83.18 ± 6.10% to 85.13 ± 7.01%. The LSAT SMD is 0.44 [95% CI 0.75, 0.12], (P < 0.007). Sleepiness measured via ESS (156 patients) demonstrated a decrease from 12.71 ± 5.73 to 8.78 ± 5.80. The ESS SMD is −1.0 [95% CI −0.50, −1.50], (P < 0.0001).

KEYWORDS:

• Myofunctional therapy
• obstructive sleep apnea
• upper airway exercises

Institution where the work was primarily performed

Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, USA

Article highlights

• Myofunctional therapy in adults has reduced AHI by 34%,

• ESS score by 4 points, and improved LSAT by 2%.

• Myofunctional therapy could serve as an adjunctive treatment for OSA.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are the private views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.

Author contributions

S.Meghpara: primary author responsible for collecting and analyzing research data, writing the metanalysis, and bibliography. M.Chohan: also responsible for collecting and analyzing research data, revision, proofreading, bibliography, abstract. A. Bandyopadhyay: responsible for collecting and proofreading research data, revision, bibliography. M. Camacho: responsible for revision, the final say in the determination of the research articles if any disagreements with data or paper. C. Kushida: responsible for revision, proofreading. C. Kozlowski: responsible for the collection of data, proofreading, and revision. J. Casinas: responsible for the collection of data, proofreading.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded. There was no sponsorship or funding for this study