The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Cognitive Functions, Cerebral Oxygenation, and Neurotrophic Factor Level in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Cognitive Functions, Cerebral Oxygenation, and Neurotrophic Factor Level in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The aim of this clinical study is to examine the effect of an 8-week training program applied to the respiratory muscles that enable breathing in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on cognitive functions, oxygenation of brain tissue, and the brain's healing and adaptation processes. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does respiratory muscle training applied to individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a beneficial effect on cognitive functions? Does respiratory muscle training applied to individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a beneficial effect on brain oxygenation? Does respiratory muscle training applied to individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a beneficial effect on the brain's healing and adaptation processes? A total of 42 individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome will be included in the study. Researchers will compare the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training on individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by comparing the respiratory muscle training intervention with placebo (low-intensity respiratory muscle training) and usual care. At the beginning of the study, participants' demographic data will be recorded, they will be assessed, their blood will be drawn, and they will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Participants will be given an information brochure and a weekly follow-up form in addition to the necessary medical treatment.

Participants will receive the necessary medical treatment for 8 weeks, fill out the follow-up form provided every day and send it to the researcher once a week, perform inspiratory muscle training exercises for 8 weeks, and meet face-to-face with the researcher once a week.

The follow-up form will be checked every week. All assessments will be repeated at the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with moderate OSA using polysomnography
• Aged 18-60
• Not using non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV)
• General health status is stable (The participant does not have an acute -cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or neurological disease; has not experienced a condition requiring hospitalization in the last three months)
• No mental problems that would interfere with cooperation

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of oropharyngeal surgery
• Presence of any neurological, psychological, or cardiac disease
• BMI ≥40 kg/m²
• Presence of hypothyroidism, uncontrolled hypertension, and diabetes
• Having severe obstructive nasal disease
• Being pregnant
• Having cognitive problems
• Having overlap syndrome
• Using drugs, alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotic medications

Exclusion criteria after the study began:

• Exercise group participants with <75% attendance at training sessions
• Failure to attend sessions for 2 consecutive weeks during the treatment period