Development and investigation of the efficacy of an interactive, web-based game exercise system (ApnoeaTheraPlay) for individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: study protocol for a randomised, single-blind, controlled trial

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent sleep disorder caused by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most commonly prescribed treatment; however, adherence remains suboptimal, with non-compliance rates reported between 46% and 83%.

Exercise-based interventions have demonstrated beneficial effects on respiratory muscle strength, upper airway function and sleep quality. This study aims to develop an interactive, web-based, game exercise platform (ApneaTheraPlay (ATP)) integrating respiratory, aerobic, strengthening and oropharyngeal exercises as an adjunct to CPAP therapy for individuals with OSAS, and to evaluate its effectiveness compared with a structured presleep exercise programme and a control condition.

Methods and analysis This study is designed as a single-blinded, three-arm, parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Individuals diagnosed with OSAS who use CPAP will be randomly allocated to the ATP group, the structured presleep exercise group (SPEG) or the control group (CG).

Participants in the ATP and SPEG groups will perform exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks (36 sessions in total).