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Telemedicine-supported structured Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy model for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Patients' report
Eliana Elizabeth Rivera Capacho1, Claudia Patricia Diaz Bossa2, María Del Carmen Campos3
1Grupo INNEUMO, Programa de Fonoaudiología, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona, 543057, Colombia.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and feasibility of the structured ST-OSA-PS-OMT model for adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Primary Snoring, focusing on changes in excessive daytime sleepiness and patient-reported effectiveness within an AI-enhanced telemedicine framework.
Materials And Methods:
Retrospective observational cohort study from November 2021 to November 2022 with 87 adults with OSA and PS. They received OMT through the Smart Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Primary Snoring with Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (ST-OSA-PS-OMT) program. Demographic variables, clinical data, orofacial myofunctional examination, and satisfaction were evaluated using the Perception Scale of Effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Sleep-Disordered Breathing -Patient Reported Outcome Measures (EPE-TMO-TRS-PROMs), type 1 (83%)/type 3 (17%) polysomnography, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Results:
87 patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) (mean age 49.71 ± 13,28 years, 60.9% female) received OMT. Improvement was observed in ESS (9.41 ± 5.65 to 7.26 ± 5.43). Snoring (28.7%), endocrine-metabolic comorbidities (50.6%), and cardiovascular comorbidities (36.8%) were prevalent. Erythematous palatine pillars (93.1%) and descended soft palate (90.8%) were found, with the latter showing a significant relationship (X2=37.3373p=1.5-7). The majority rated OMT as effective. Descriptive analysis revealed that patients with psychiatric comorbidities tended to perceive treatment as more effective, while those with Class III malocclusion showed a tendency toward lower treatment favorability.
Conclusion:
The ST-OSA-PS-OMT model represents a viable and effective therapeutic approach for OSA/PS, as evidenced by significant ESS improvement and positive patient-reported outcomes. The AI-enhanced telemedicine framework establishes a foundation for therapeutic personalisation. Key anatomical findings, particularly the association between a descended velum and erythematous pillars, justify refined pre-treatment assessment protocols. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and developing targeted intervention strategies for subgroups with less favourable responses, including those with Angle Class III malocclusion.
