Methods for Increasing Upper Airway Muscle Tonus in Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Systematic Review
Sleep & Breathing
Valbuza, J. S., de Oliveira, M. M., et al. (2010).
Sleep & Breathing, 14(4), 299-305.
This systematic review investigates the effect of interventions to increase muscle tone in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Although sleep apnea outcomes are not within the speech-language pathologist's scope of practice, the provision of myofunctional treatment is within the purview of the speech-language pathologist.
The included studies investigated intraoral electrical neurostimulation, digeridoo playing, and oropharyngeal exercises. Results indicated no studies were effective in meeting the review's primary outcome of reducing the apnea/hypopnea index.
Although no adverse effects were reported for digeridoo playing and oropharyngeal exercises, results indicated intraoral electrical neurostimulation to have the following side effects:<ul> <li>erythema;</li> <li>skin irritation;</li> <li>facial pain;</li> <li>muscle twitches;</li> <li>difficulty falling asleep and waking up during the night;</li> <li>morning headaches; and</li> <li>dryness of the mouth or throat.</li></ul>
