Oropharyngeal exercises for obstructive sleep apnea patients using a mandibular advancement device

Efficacy of Oropharyngeal Exercises for Patients With Residual Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Mandibular Advancement Device

Not applicable Interventional National Cheng-Kung University Hospital · NCT06103630

This study is testing if special exercises for the throat and tongue can help adults with obstructive sleep apnea who are already using a mouth device to sleep better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Cheng-Kung University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tainan)
Trial IDNCT06103630 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of oropharyngeal muscle training as an adjunctive treatment for adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are using a mandibular advancement device (MAD). The approach involves training the swallowing and tongue muscles to enhance muscle strength, reduce tongue collapse, and improve overall respiratory function during sleep. The study will assess changes in muscle strength, tongue morphology, severity of sleep-related breathing interruptions, and associated clinical symptoms. By focusing on patients who have not achieved satisfactory results with MAD alone, the research aims to determine if this training can enhance treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 20 years old diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who are currently using a mandibular advancement device.

Not a fit: Patients with a body mass index of 35 or higher, severe lung disease, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with obstructive sleep apnea by reducing symptoms and enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of oropharyngeal muscle training is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* OSA patients
* Aged over 20 years
* Wearing MAD (The amount of MAD is at least 50% of the maximum amount that the patient can achieve.)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body Mass Index (BMI) ≧ 35
* Pregnancy
* Severe obstructive or restrictive lung disease
* Exercise with high-risk cardiovascular disease
* History of central or peripheral neurological disease resulting in an inability to perform exercise prescriptions
* Musculoskeletal or psychological disorders that prevent the performance of exercise prescriptions
* Chronic illnesses that are ongoing or not yet controlled

Where this trial is running

Tainan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obstructive Sleep Apnea of AdultObstructive Sleep ApneaMandibular Advancement Device therapyOropharyngeal muscle training
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.