Strengthening Inspiratory and Oropharyngeal Muscles in Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

Strengthening Inspiratory and Oropharyngeal Muscles in Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

The Obstructive Sleep Apnea hypopnea Syndrome (OSAS), whose prevalence is 4% of the French population, can lead to serious health consequences (risk of road accidents, onset of cardiovascular disease, etc.). OSAS corresponds to a certain number of interruptions (apneas) or reductions (hypopneas) of ventilation during sleep. The weakening of the tone of the inspiratory and oropharyngeal muscles is one of the main causes of upper airways obstruction during the inspiratory phase.

For patients with moderate OSAS, with few or no symptoms, without associated cardiovascular comorbidities, there is no recommended treatment. Rehabilitate the inspiratory and oropharyngeal muscles through muscle strengthening seems to be an alternative to this problem. Therefore, this study proposes a complete rehabilitation care evaluating the effectiveness of the strengthening of inspiratory and oropharyngeal muscles in subject with moderate OSAS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate SAHOS (15 ≤ AHI ≤30);
• Body Mass Index (BMI) < 35 ;
• Patient affiliated or entitled to a social security scheme;
• Patient having signed a consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness: Epworth sleepiness score > 10 ;
• Professional driving and history of accidents related to sleepiness;
• Severe obstructive or restrictive ventilatory disorders of neuromuscular origin authenticated by respiratory function tests;
• Patients undergoing treatment for OSAS or requiring immediate initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a mandibular advancement orthosis;
• Patients who have stopped CPAP or orthosis treatment in less than one month;
• Patients undergoing cardiorespiratory exercise rehabilitation or starting regular physical training;
• Uncompensated heart failure, thoracic sternotomy surgery < 4 months;
• Marked osteoporosis with history of rib fractures;
• History of spontaneous pneumothorax;
• Severe asthma;