Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Myofunctional therapy (MT) improves obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients.AREAS COVERED: We systematically reviewed publications to evaluate MT as a treatment for OSA. We identified relevant articles and performed a meta-analysis on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores, lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Search databases were retained as primary data sources with the search performed through June 18, 2021.EXPERT OPINION: Fifteen studies with 237 patients provided OSA outcomes before and after MT, which were analyzed for this meta-analysis. The mean AHI scores decreased from 28.0±16.2/h to 18.6±13.1/h. The AHI standard mean difference (SMD) is -1.34 (large effect) [95% CI -0.84, -1.85], (P < 0.00001). LSAT (197 patients) improved from 83.18±6.10% to 85.13±7.01%. The LSAT SMD is 0.44 [95% CI 0.75, 0.12], (P < 0.007). Sleepiness measured via ESS (156 patients) demonstrated a decrease from 12.71±5.73 to 8.78±5.80. The ESS SMD is -1.0 [95% CI -0.50, -1.50], (P < 0.0001).

View details for DOI 10.1080/17476348.2021.2001332

View details for PubMedID 34753369