Genioglossus EMG Activity in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition in childhood and can result in severe complications if left untreated. Genioglossus electromyography (EMG) signals were obtained from ten children during quiet breathing, deep breathing, and maximum protrusion. We expected similar EMG readings during quiet breathing; but when there is increased respiratory drive during deep breathing, EMG recordings should be higher. Moreover, OSA patients fatigue more easily so we expected lower EMG readings during maximum protrusion. The OSA group had quiet breathing EMG signal of 0.192 mV.s (S.D. ±0.92) versus control 0.213 mV.s (S.D. ±0.112). During deep breathing, OSA children had higher EMG signals of 0.532 mV.s (S.D. ±0.317) compared to control 0.218 mV.s (S.D. ±0.096). OSA children had lower genioglossus activity at 0.171 mV.s (S.D. ±0.044) compared to control 0.247 mV.s (S.D. ±0.059). In conclusion, EMG provides an additional tool to differentiate patients with various types of sleep disordered breathing.