Pilot study to assess the potential of oral myofunctional therapy for improving respiration during sleep

The present study was designed to assess the potential of oral myofunctional therapy (OMFT) for improving respiration parameters, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) during sleep.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was administered to 92 students in class time at the Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo. The results showed that 15 students had a high ESS. Of the 15 students who had learnt about their excessive sleepiness, six students expressed their intention to receive treatment for their sleep condition. They volunteered as subjects for the study. The Lip Trainer Patakara(®) was used for labial closure force (LCF) training for 2 months. LCF, AHI and SPO2 during sleep were measured before training and after 2 months training. The paired t-test was applied for statistical analyses.

LCFs before and 2 months after training were 8.8 ± 1.6 and 12.9 ± 0.6N, respectively. LCF significantly increased after training compared to that before training. SpO2 before training and after training were 90.0 ± 2.9% and 96.8±0.8%, respectively. SpO2 after training was significantly increased compared to that before training. AHI before and after training were 15.1 ± 3.4 and 9.2 ± 1.5 events/h, respectively. AHI after training was significantly decreased compared to that before training.

From this study, the following conclusions were made: (1) OMFT significantly increases LCF; and (2) the AHI and SpO2 during sleep are significantly improved after OMFT.