Oral tactile sensitivity in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea

• Grant number: 24/18186-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Gislaine Aparecida Folha
• Grantee: Ana Laura Almeida Alexandre
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway collapse (AASM, 2008). The literature has pointed to impairments in the oral sensorimotor system of individuals with OSA. Better understanding of the orofacial myofunctional condition, particularly tactile sensitivity, may promote a deeper comprehension of the pathophysiology of OSA and support the establishment of clinical treatment protocols, including speech therapy. This study aims to identify whether there is a difference in cutaneous tactile sensitivity between healthy individuals and those with OSA. It is an analytical, cross-sectional observational study, which will recruit 60 individuals aged between 20 and 59 years, who are either healthy or have a positive diagnosis of OSA based on polysomnography (20 with mild OSA, 20 with moderate OSA, and 20 with severe OSA), matched for age and BMI. All participants will be evaluated using the Expanded Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Protocol (AMIOFE-E) (Folha, Valera, Felício, 2015) and the Mallampati Classification Assessment (Samsoon, Young, 1987). Then, the cutaneous sensitivity threshold will be measured using the Semmes-Weinstein Sorri® Esthesiometer on intraoral and extraoral regions. Statistical analyses will be performed using descriptive statistics, followed by an evaluation of the normality of variables. Group comparisons will be conducted using Student's t-test for independent groups, or, in cases where normal variation is not identified, the Mann-Whitney test (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) will be used. Data analysis will be performed using MedCalc software, with a significance level set at p<0.05.