Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 4 to 18

Orofacial muscle therapy for children with Down syndrome or Prader–Willi syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea

Official title: Oromyofunctional Training: an Innovative Rehabilitation Program for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT07122505 · Data updated 2026-11-12

We will test whether 20 weeks of orofacial myofunctional therapy can reduce obstructive sleep apnea and improve sleep-related quality of life in children with Down syndrome or Prader–Willi syndrome.

More Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages4 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 15, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2026
Study endsJanuary 1, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 14, 2025
Trial IDNCT07122505 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Children aged 4–18 who have Down syndrome or Prader–Willi syndrome and documented obstructive sleep apnea (AHI > 1) who are not currently receiving OSA treatment and have not had prior orofacial myofunctional therapy.

Probably not a fit

Children with severe anatomical airway obstruction requiring surgery, those already receiving OSA treatment, or those with unrelated congenital orofacial deformities are unlikely to benefit from this therapy.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Children aged 4–18 with Down syndrome or Prader–Willi syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (AHI > 1) will receive a 20-week program of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention using polysomnography, standardized oromyofunctional assessments, and sleep-related quality of life questionnaires. Participants with prior orofacial therapy, concurrent OSA treatment, ongoing orthodontic procedures, or unrelated congenital orofacial deformities are excluded. The intervention is delivered at Ghent University with in-person therapy sessions and scheduled outcome testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this non-surgical therapy could reduce OSA severity and improve sleep and daytime functioning for children with Down syndrome or Prader–Willi syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: Some studies in adults and in typically developing children show modest benefit from orofacial myofunctional therapy, but evidence in Down syndrome and Prader–Willi populations is limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged between 4-18
* Diagnosed with Down syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome
* Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Polysomnography (AHI\<1)

Exclusion criteria:

* History of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
* Undergoing an orthodontic procedure during the study period
* Undegoing an OSA treatment during the study period
* Orofacial congenital deformities (not related to Down syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome)

Where it's running

  • Ghent University
    Ghent, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.