Efecto de la terapia miofuncional orofacial en la apnea obstructiva del sueño: revisión sistemática

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway collapses during sleep. In recent years, myofunctional exercises have emerged as a promising alternative for its treatment. This study reviewed clinical trials published between 2006 and 2023 to evaluate their effectiveness in adults with OSA. Out of 1,217 analyzed articles, six met the inclusion criteria. Participants ranged from 19 to 85 years old, and diagnostic methods included polysomnography, the apnea-hypopnea index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, BMI, and neck circumference. The results showed that speech therapy significantly reduces OSA severity, improving the apnea hypopnea index, neck circumference, and daytime symptoms, with a reference p-value (<.05). In conclusion, myofunctional exercises targeting orofacial muscles and functions such as breathing, chewing, and swallowing represent an effective alternative for managing OSA and promoting adherence to CPAP devices.