Efficacy of oropharyngeal exercises as an adjuvant therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: Some patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy may exhibit residual sleep-breathing abnormalities. These cases require adjunctive treatment to further reduce the remaining airway inadequacy, which may affect the health and quality of life. This clinical trial was conducted since the oropharyngeal exercise, which aims to enhance the muscular function of the upper airway, combined with MAD, is unknown. We assessed the possible improvements in respiratory event parameters and lip and tongue physiological properties in patients with OSA who received oropharyngeal exercises for 2 months as an adjunct to MAD therapy.