Abstract
Introduction: Specific facial anatomy increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), particularly with Polynesians. This group represent 37% of Australian National Rugby League (NRL) players. However it's unclear if there's increased prevalence of OSA within this group due to different facial cephalometry.
Objectives: We investigated the prevalence of OSA among NRL players in association with facial cephalometric measurements, with different racial groups including Polynesians, Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islanders and European-Australians (EA). These measurements were evaluated as a predictor of OSA risk between the groups.
Methods: We evaluated 24 NRL players near the end of their pre-season. They completed three questionnaires (Stop-Bang, ESS, Berlin), screened with a portable multi-channel device (Alice PDx), measured facial and cranial width and length, BMI and neck circumference and the sum of 8 skinfolds (muscle ratio).
Results: 10 players (42%) had an AHI>5, with 3 players AHI>15(12.5%), involving 10 Polynesian and 3 EA players. Linear regression demonstrated increased midface length was inversely proportional to REM AHI (p<0.05). The product of midface length, upper lip and lower lip length predicted supine AHI (p<0.05). Increased skinfold thickness predicted AHI for all players, but not neck circumference or BMI. Total AHI (4.73 vs 2.43) and REM AHI (9.0 vs 2.98) was higher in the Polynesian players than EA players (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Based upon our sample there's a higher prevalence of OSA among elite Polynesian versus European-Australian players. Specific facial cephalometric parameters appear to predict OSA risk, independent of BMI and neck circumference in these athletes.
- Copyright ©the authors 2017