Apneia e Ronco: avanços da tecnologia e o potencial inovador da eletroestimulção para uma melhor qualidade de vida

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.156132516043

• Palavras-chave: apneia, eletroestimulação, ronco.

• Keywords: apnea, electrostimulation, snoring.

• Abstract: Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are respiratory disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. Their manifestations affect sleep and, consequently, lead to inadequate repair, daytime sleepiness, difficulty focusing and paying attention, and systemic manifestations, such as high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risks. Existing treatments have limited efficiency and comfort, which makes adherence to therapy difficult. However, the pathophysiology behind this disorder, related to flaccidity and lack of tone in the oropharyngeal muscles, sets a precedent for studying the feasibility of using physiotherapeutic electrostimulation (FES) of these muscles. FES is already widely used in physiotherapy for patients who have loss of tone in various muscle groups, with a significant improvement response. Such promising data support the interest in creating a protocol for applying FES to the muscles involved in the development of snoring and OSA, seeking to interrupt progression and even reverse existing conditions, preventing future risks and improving the quality of life of millions of people.