The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tongue strengthening exercises on participants with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although there is evidence that myofunctional therapy can have an effect on OSA, isolated tongue strengthening exercises have not been studied. Two participants were asked to complete six weeks of tongue strengthening exercises and participate in a questionnaire and a home sleep study pre and post exercises. Results from the visual analysis concluded that the intervention had a positive therapeutic impact on home sleep study scores and surveys. These findings are limited given the number of participants.
Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea, myofunctional therapy, tongue strengthening exercises, Iowa Oral Performance Instrument
