Are oropharyngeal exercises effective in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

Objective: This study has been conducted to examine the effects of posture, cervical region and oropharyngeal exercises in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS).

Method: Thirty patients with OSAS have been randomly divided into two groups. The first group received supervised exercise program including oropharyngeal, posture and cervical region exercises for 12 weeks. The patients in the control group have been informed about the posture but the exercise was not recommended. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short Form 36 (SF-36), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) have been used in the evaluation of individuals participating in the study. Evaluations have been made at the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the 12-week exercise program.

Results: Statistically significant improvements have been observed in the exercise group in PSQI total value, ESS score, SF-36 General Health Subscale and 6MWT (p< 0.05). Statistical significance could not be reached for other parameters.

Conclusions: Sleep quality, general health, and functional capacity have been found to improve in OSAS patients with oropharyngeal exercises.