NCT06944782 · University of California, San Diego
Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Electromyography of the Muscles of the Mouth
What this study is about
The investigators will establish how well a novel, quick, and painless way of measuring muscle activity from the mouth and throat works for detecting sleep apnea. This technology is called transmembraneous electromyography (tmEMG).
View original scientific description
The investigators will establish how well a novel, quick, and painless way of measuring muscle activity from the mouth and throat works for detecting sleep apnea. This technology is called transmembraneous electromyography (tmEMG). Leveraging two technologies, a new probe capable of recording muscle activity by lightly touching the muscle, as well as a machine learning model for signal interpretation, the investigators will conduct an initial observational feasibility study in phase 1, followed by a larger observational cohort study in phase 2 to assess the performance of deep learning enhanced tmEMG. The study will address a critical unmet need in sleep apnea diagnostics: the availability of an inexpensive, accurate diagnostic test for screening at point of care.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 years or older
- Subject must have completed a prior sleep test.
- Subjects may be recruited if the last prior sleep test either determined that they do not have sleep apnea OR they have moderate to severe sleep apnea. No sleep apnea is defined by AHI \< 5; moderate to severe sleep apnea is defined by AHI \>= 15.
- To be fully eligible, the prior test result needs to be verified via 2-night home sleep test (using the average AHI from the 2 nights). If OSA status (i.e., AHI\<5/h or \>=15/h) from the 2-night HST vs last prior sleep test is discordant, then participants will be excluded as screen failures.
Exclusion criteria
- Current use of OSA therapy, including PAP (positive airway pressure) or non-invasive ventilation on a daily basis
- Prior uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery for sleep apnea.
- Inability to install WatchPAT ONE application on smartphone or tablet or unwillingness/inability to use the WatchPAT ONE home sleep study device
- Prisoners are excluded due to ethical, legal, and practical concerns
- Individuals who are pregnant are excluded due to temporary changes in habitus, fluid shifts, and potential changes to oropharyngeal musculature may impact tmEMG assessment. This important subpopulation will be investigated in a later phase study.
- Inability to stop tobacco, marijuana, or vaping on the day of testing.
- Binge alcohol use behaviors (4+ drinks on the same occasion on 5+ days in the past month).
- Medication use that may cause central apnea that in the judgment of the investigators could impact the safety or results of the study
- Allergy to benzocaine topical anesthetic or other ester class local anesthetics (lidocaine, etc.)
- Current psychiatric illness other than treated mood disorders
- Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent or comply with research procedures
- Active Cancer due to potential interference with study results
- Major comorbidities which in the judgment of the investigators could impact the safety or results of the study
- Inability to sign consent and participate in the study in English. This study involves use of an investigational device; the technical nature of the study and the consenting process and consent form make it impractical to include subjects who cannot participate in English.
Where
- San Diego, California
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 25, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations