How Myofunctional Therapy can help with mild to moderate sleep apnea
Effect of Myofunctional Therapy on Outcomes in Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea
This study is looking at how well Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can help veterans with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea by using simple exercises to improve breathing, so they can avoid using bulky machines like CPAP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11186978 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) as a treatment for veterans suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The approach focuses on rehabilitative exercises that aim to improve airway function without the need for cumbersome medical devices like CPAP machines. By providing an alternative treatment option, the study seeks to enhance patient compliance and reduce the health risks associated with untreated OSA. The research will involve assessing patient outcomes and functional status over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Not a fit: Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea or those who are unable to participate in myofunctional therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer veterans a non-invasive treatment option that improves their sleep quality and overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for myofunctional therapy in treating sleep apnea, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stepnowsky, Carl J. — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Stepnowsky, Carl J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.