Effects of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Snoring: A Randomized Trial
Ieto V
Published in CHEST
Methodology
Randomised trial (NCT01636856) comparing three months of daily oropharyngeal exercises with nasal dilator strips plus respiratory exercises as control; assessment at entry and end by Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and full polysomnography with objective snoring measurement.
Key Findings
39 patients with primary snoring or mild-to-moderate sleep apnoea (mean apnoea-hypopnea index 15.3) were randomised to three months of daily oropharyngeal exercises or a control regimen of nasal dilator strips plus breathing exercises. Controls showed no significant change, while the exercise group significantly reduced the snore index (snores above 36 dB per hour) from a median 99.5 to 48.2 (p = 0.017) and total snore index from 60.4 to 31.0 (p = 0.033), measured objectively during full polysomnography. Intention-to-treat analysis was used with one dropout per group.
Conclusions
Oropharyngeal exercises are effective in reducing objectively measured snoring and are a possible treatment of a large population suffering from snoring.
Limitations
Only 39 patients at a single centre over three months, with participants unable to be blinded to whether they were doing throat exercises; the trial measured snoring rather than apnoea severity or long-term adherence.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.