Effect of Applying of Oropharyngeal Exercises on Sleep Problems and Quality of Life in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea post-Adenotonsillectomy

Background: Oropharyngeal exercises were non-invasive and cost-effective treatment which acts
by increasing the tone of pharyngeal muscles and may bring long-term benefits to the children. Aim
of the study was to evaluate the effect of applying oropharyngeal exercise on sleep problems and
quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea post- adenotonsillectomy. Research design:
Quasi-experimental research design was utilized. The study was conducted at the outpatient and
inpatient Ear, Nose, and Throat department (ENT) in Benha Health Insurance Hospital. A Purposive
sample of 50 children accompanying their mothers was included in this study. Three tools were
used for data collection 1) Children assessment questionnaire, 2) Child’s sleep habits questionnaire
and 3) OSA-18 quality of life questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the children was 9.62 ±
1.84years and 50% of them were male. More than half and more than three quarters (55% &76%
respectively) of children reported higher sleep problems and poor quality of life pre-intervention
phase. Meanwhile, post-intervention phases, more than two thirds and more than half (70%&54%
respectively) of children reported low sleep problems, more than two thirds and two thirds (72%&
66% respectively) of them had good quality of life after 45days and 90days. Conclusion: Applying
of oropharyngeal exercises daily for 3 months period had a significantly positive effect on
decreasing sleep problems and improving quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea
post-adenotonsillectomy. Recommendations: Conducting more continuing oropharyngeal exercises
intervention program for mothers having children suffering from OSA to decrease the negative
outcomes and improve quality of life with the necessity of follow-up.