Effect of myofunctional therapy on snoring in obese patients: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy (MT) in the treatment of habitual snoring in obese patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial consisted of an experimental group (n=14) that underwent MT and a control group (n=26) that performed nonspecific exercises for the treatment of snoring. The Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and short-form health survey (SF-36) were applied before and after treatment. Snoring was assessed subjectively by asking the partner about improvement after treatment. The SnoreLab app was used for objective assessment. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of MT on any of the SnoreLab variables analyzed when groups, time points or covariates (adherence, age, body mass index [BMI], neck circumference, and sex) were compared. Neck circumference (cm) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index score were significantly higher after treatment. There was no change in the Epworth sleepiness scale score after treatment. A correlation was found between BMI and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and between BMI and the functional capacity component of the SF-36. Patient adherence was similar between groups. DISCUSSION: Apps for recording snoring are a useful tool to be explored. MT exerted no significant effect on habitual snoring in obese patients despite the reduction of the snore score in the experimental group. Therapy applied without exclusion criteria based on the severity of sleep breathing disorders and pharyngeal characteristics fails to achieve the results necessary to treat habitual snoring in obese patients.