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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07122505 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
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Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristiane Van Lierde, PhD — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Jolien Verbeke, MSc
- Email: joliverb.verbeke@ugent.be
- Phone: +32495195718
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.