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Obstructive Sleep ApneaNCT07254026

Precision Health and Smart Telerehabilitation in OSA

A study testing Surgery, Continuous positive airway pressure and Oropharyngeal Exercise with diary in people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, run by National Cheng-Kung University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to improve treatment strategies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, resulting in reduced oxygenation, sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is being tested?
Surgery, Continuous positive airway pressure and Oropharyngeal Exercise with diary
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
300 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
15 Oct 2025to 31 Dec 2029
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 20 years old and above
  • Newly diagnosed with mild to severe pure obstructive sleep apnea based on polysomnography

Who cannot join

  • Severe allergic rhinitis
  • Sinusitis with nasal polyps
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) > 31
  • Alcohol or drug abuse within the past year
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe obstructive or restrictive pulmonary diseases
Show all 11Show fewer
  • High-risk cardiovascular diseases during exercise (e.g., angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, valvular heart disease)
  • History of central or peripheral neurological disorders that interfere with exercise prescription
  • Musculoskeletal or psychological disorders that interfere with exercise prescription
  • Other non-respiratory sleep disorders
  • Sleep disorders with concomitant central sleep apnea

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • National Cheng Kung University Hospital

    Tainan, 704

    Ching-Hsia Hung, PhD, +886-6-2353535 ext. 5939, chhung@mail.ncku.edu.tw

    Recruiting

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: Developing a Precision Health Approach for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Treatment Responses Analysis and Smart Telerehabilitation Systems

This study aims to improve treatment strategies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, resulting in reduced oxygenation, sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The objectives are twofold: to evaluate whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model can accurately predict the most effective treatment for individual patients, and to assess whether a mobile health application can enhance adherence to oropharyngeal rehabilitation (OPR) and improve therapeutic outcomes.

The study will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, a retrospective analysis will be performed using a large dataset of polysomnography (PSG) records obtained from the Sleep Center at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Machine learning algorithms will be applied to identify predictive features that differentiate responders from non-responders across Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), surgical, and OPR interventions. These findings will inform the development of a predictive treatment recommendation model.

Read more

In Phase II, a prospective clinical trial will validate the predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the model. Patients newly diagnosed with OSA will be assigned to CPAP, surgery, or OPR interventions according to the model's recommendations, in combination with physician judgment and patient preference. Each intervention will last 12 weeks, followed by repeat PSG and clinical assessments. Within the OPR arm, participants will be further randomized to monitor adherence via an exercise diary or a smartphone application equipped with a pressure sensor and facial motion recognition technology, enabling real-time feedback and remote monitoring.

This trial is expected to determine whether AI can provide clinically reliable treatment recommendations and whether digital telerehabilitation can improve adherence and outcomes, thereby advancing precision medicine in OSA management.

Read the detailed description

This study is designed to improve treatment strategies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by reduced oxygenation and recurrent sleep disturbances. The research has two primary objectives: first, to evaluate whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model can accurately predict the most effective treatment for individual patients; and second, to assess whether a mobile health application can facilitate oropharyngeal exercise training, thereby enhancing adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

The study will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, researchers will analyze a large dataset of polysomnography (PSG) records obtained from the Sleep Center at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Machine learning methods will be applied to identify predictive patterns that distinguish responders from non-responders across treatments such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), surgical intervention, and oropharyngeal rehabilitation (OPR).

In Phase II, a prospective clinical trial will be implemented. Patients newly diagnosed with OSA will be allocated to CPAP, surgical, or OPR interventions (with either an exercise diary or a smartphone application) according to the AI-generated treatment recommendations, supplemented by physician judgment and patient preference. Each intervention will last 12 weeks, after which repeat PSG and clinical evaluations will be conducted to assess treatment efficacy.

Participants in the CPAP arm will undergo 12 weeks of nightly CPAP use. Participants in the surgical group will receive operative treatment for OSA. Those assigned to the OPR arm will complete 12 weeks of telerehabilitation training focused on oropharyngeal exercises. Within the OPR group, participants will be further divided into two subgroups: one will record adherence using an exercise diary, while the other will train with a smartphone application integrated with a pressure sensor and facial motion recognition technology. This system will provide real-time feedback, record adherence, and transmit performance data to a secure cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and clinician-guided adjustments.

The study aims to determine whether AI can deliver clinically reliable, personalized treatment recommendations and whether app-based telerehabilitation can improve adherence and treatment outcomes. The anticipated results are expected to advance precision medicine approaches in OSA management and enhance both patient care and healthcare efficiency.

Being tested
Surgery, Continuous positive airway pressure, Oropharyngeal Exercise with diary, Oropharyngeal Exercise with smartphone application
Medical subject headings
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • SurgeryProcedure or surgery

    Including septomeatoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), or/and tongue base reduction surgery.

  • Continuous positive airway pressureDevice

    Continuous positive airway pressure, 1-5 days a week for three months.

  • Oropharyngeal Exercise with diaryOther

    Oropharyngeal exercise conducted via the telerehabilitation method. Participants are required to attend online supervised sessions of exercises 1-5 days a week for three months. Participants are required to fill out the exercise diary upon completion of the training each day.

  • Oropharyngeal Exercise with smartphone applicationOther

    Oropharyngeal exercise conducted via the telerehabilitation method. Participants are required to attend online supervised sessions of exercises 1-5 days a week for three months. In addition to attending the weekly supervised telerehabilitation sessions online, these participants will independently perform the exercises using the smartphone application incorporated with ASMT one to three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes.

Study groups in NCT07254026
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
SurgicalExperimentalSurgery for OSA
Receives: Procedure: Surgery
Continuous positive airway pressureExperimentalReceive continuous positive airway pressure
Receives: Device: Continuous positive airway pressure
Oropharyngeal rehabilitation with diaryExperimentalReceive oropharyngeal telerehabilitation training over three months
Receives: Other: Oropharyngeal Exercise with diary
Oropharyngeal rehabilitation with smartphone applicationExperimentalReceive oropharyngeal telerehabilitation training incorporated with a smartphone application (Adaptive Sensor-Based Motion Tracking, ASMT system, which consisted of a pressure sensor and facial motion recognition technology) for over three months
Receives: Other: Oropharyngeal Exercise with smartphone application

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Apnea-Hypopnea Index

    The apnea-hypopnea index will be obtained from the overnight Polysomnography (PSG) study. PSG will be performed in the sleep center of National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Less than 5 events/hour indicates normal; AHI between 5-14 events/hour indicates mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA); AHI between 15-30 events/hour indicates moderate OSA; and AHI more than 30 events/hour indicates severe OSA.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Daytime Sleepiness Level

    Epworth Sleepiness Score(ESS) will be used to measure the daytime sleepiness of OSA patients. The total score of ESS range from 0-24. A score greater than 10 indicates greater daytime sleepiness.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  2. Sleep Quality

    Sleep quality will be measured using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).The total score ranges from 0 to 21 with a higher total score equal to or more than 5 indicating worse sleep quality.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  3. Pharyngeal Airway Volume

    Computer Tomography (CT) will be performed. The pharyngeal airway volume will be calculated from the hard palate to the epiglottis and the data will be presented in cm^3. The minimum score is 0 and a higher score indicates greater in pharyngeal airway volume.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  4. Cross Section Area on the Tip of Epiglottis

    Computer Tomography (CT) will be performed. Cross section area on the tip of the epiglottis was measured and the data will be presented in cm^2. The minimum score is 0 and a higher score indicates greater in the cross-sectional area of the region.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  5. Anterior to Posterior Distance on the Tip of the Epiglottis

    The distance between the anterior and posterior pharyngeal wall on the tip of the epiglottis will be measured and presented in cm. The minimal value will be 0 and the greater value indicates a greater distance between the anterior to posterior in this area.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  6. Lateral Distance on the Tip of Epiglottis

    The distance between the lateral distance on the tip of the epiglottis will be measured and presented in cm. The minimal value will be 0 and the greater value indicates a greater distance between the lateral wall.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  7. Median Usage Hours of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

    The average number of hours per night that participants use CPAP will be recorded from CPAP usage reports. Greater nightly usage is considered indicative of better compliance and treatment effectiveness.

    Measured: 1-week average pre intervention, 1-week average post intervention and 1-month average during intervention for 3 months

  8. Median Pressure in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

    The change in therapeutic CPAP pressure required to maintain airway patency will be assessed using CPAP usage reports. A reduction in required pressure is expected to indicate improved upper airway muscle tone and stability.

    Measured: 1-week average pre intervention, 1-week average post intervention and 1-month average during intervention for 3 months

  9. Tongue Muscle Strength

    The maximal muscle strength of genioglossus muscles using The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) system, model 2.2 (Northwest, Co., LLC, Carnation, WA, USA) (kPa)

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

  10. Tongue Muscle Endurance

    The endurance of the genioglossus muscles using The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) system, model 2.2 (Northwest, Co., LLC, Carnation, WA, USA) (in seconds).

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Nov 2025
  2. Study start15 Oct 2025
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2029 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
300 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07254026
Sponsor's protocol ID
B-BR-114-020
Status last verified
Oct 2025
First submitted
19 Nov 2025
Last updated
28 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Surgery, Continuous positive airway pressure and Oropharyngeal Exercise with diary in people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, run by National Cheng-Kung University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Jun-Hui Ong, MS (+886-9-37839992, junhui.ong611@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Nov 2025.

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