Comprehensive analysis of orofacial motor skills in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Background

The neuromuscular activity has a critical role in the permeability of the upper airways.

Objective

The present study aimed to conduct a detailed and comparative investigation of the orofacial musculature and motor skills of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Materials and methods

Children aged 7 to 12 years with OSA (OSA group, n = 12) and without OSA (Control group, n = 12) were compared. Orofacial appearance/posture and motor skills were assessed using the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol with scores. Bite force, tongue pressure measurements, and surface electromyography of swallowing were also performed.

Results

Compared to the control group, the OSA group obtained lower scores in appearance/posture, mobility, and orofacial functions (P < 0.0001), and lower values of bite force (P = 0.019) and tongue strength in protrusion (P = 0.008) and deglutition (P = 0.004). The OSA group also displayed lower values of maximum speed (P = 0.003) and peak activity (P = 0.0005) during spontaneous swallowing and higher relative energy expenditure (integral) of the muscles in the water swallowing task (50 mL) (P ≤ 0.01). Notably, the effect size ranged from moderate to large for all groups differences.

Conclusion

The children with OSA showed impairments in orofacial musculature and motor skills, as evidenced by reduced muscle recruitment capacity and coordination in applying pressure/force and performing orofacial movements and functions.

Clinical relevance

This study contributes to the understanding of non-anatomical factors associated with OSA in children and to the development of therapeutic strategies.