Daytime exercises may replace nighttime machines for sleep apnea
NCT ID NCT04608552
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) — simple tongue and throat exercises done during the day — can improve breathing during sleep in people with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. 209 adults with sleep apnea participated, comparing OMT to a placebo exercise group. The goal was to see if OMT could reduce sleep apnea severity and improve daytime function without needing nightly devices.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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209 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2021
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Mild-to-moderate OSA * Entry criteria are as inclusive as possible and operationalized as follows: age\>18 years old * Confirmed diagnosis of OSA * Having chronic symptoms per screening symptom checklist * Fluency in English * Must be getting care the VA San Diego Healthcare System Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment sufficient to cause inability to complete the protocol (per medical chart review) * Low health literacy * Residence in a geographical area outside of San Diego County * Fatal comorbidity (life expectancy \<6 months as indicated by treating physician) * Significant documented substance/chemical abuse
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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