A WeChat mini-program-based intervention for orofacial myofunctional therapy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Abstract

Background: Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) has been recommended as a safe, effective, and low-cost option for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a WeChat mini-program-based OMT in adults with OSAHS compared to traditional home-based OMT. We hypothesize that patients trained with a WeChat mini-program-based OMT will show greater improvement in sleep quality, health-related quality of life, and exercise adherence than patients with traditional home-based rehabilitation therapy. Methods: This study is a single-center, prospective, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu Province Hospital). Patients in both groups received routine health education, with the intervention group additionally using a WeChat mini-program and the control group receiving traditional home-based OMT. The primary outcome measure is apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). Secondary outcome measures include lowest oxygen saturation (LSpO2), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), and exercise adherence. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention. Discussion: This study attempts to evaluate the efficacy and safety of telerehabilitation among OSAHS patients in China, representing our efforts in the field of telemedicine. This RCT will provide valuable evidence for remoted home-based long-term management strategies for OSAHS patients. Ethics and dissemination: This study has received ethics approval from the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Ref. No. 2022-SR-600). Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2300067637. Registered on January 16, 2023.