Mandibular Advancement Device Therapy in Japanese Rugby Athletes with Poor Sleep Quality and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Sleep Science
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to diminished sleep quality.
• Elite athletes may experience undiagnosed sleep disorders, affecting performance.
• Kinetic vision, crucial for athletes, can be impaired by sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of OSA on sleep quality and kinetic vision in elite rugby athletes.
• To assess the therapeutic effects of a custom-made mandibular advancement device (MAD) on sleep parameters and reaction times.

Main Methods:

• 42 male Japanese elite rugby athletes underwent sleep quality assessments (PSQI, ESS) and a level III sleep test (REI, SpO2 min).
• Reaction times for kinetic vision were measured via telephone testing pre- and post-3 weeks of daily MAD therapy.
• Paired t-tests analyzed differences in sleep metrics and reaction times.

Main Results:

• 69% of athletes had poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5.5), and 64.3% were diagnosed with OSA.
• MAD therapy significantly improved the Respiratory Event Index (REI) and minimum oxygen saturation (SpO2 min).
• Treatment led to significant improvements in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, reaction times, and overall sleep quality.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular advancement device therapy effectively treats OSA in elite athletes, enhancing sleep quality and reducing apnea severity.
• Improved reaction times following OSA treatment suggest a positive impact on kinetic vision.
• Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and kinetic vision in athletic populations.