Effect Of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Along With Oropharyngeal Exercises In The Individuals With Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate combined rTMS and oropharyngeal exercises (OPEs) in improving sleep quality and reducing respiratory events during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Methods:This Pre‑post study of 10 adults (age 30–60 y; NoSAS > 7) was conducted between December 2023 and March 2025. Participants completed 15 sessions of rTMS (10 Hz, 20 minutes per session) over 5 weeks, in conjunction withregular oropharyngeal exercises. Outcomes included PSQI, ESS, and polysomnographic indices (AHI, central/obstructive apneas). Paired t‑tests were used; significance at p < 0.05.
Results: PSQI improved from 11 ± 3.27 to 4.9 ± 1.52 (p = 0.0008); ESS from 10.9 ± 4.34 to 3.7 ± 1.95 (p = 0.0012). Central apneas decreased from 58.7 ± 5.66 to 5.4 ± 2.75 (p < 0.000001); obstructive events (246.3 ± 62.3 to 205.4 ± 61.6) and AHI (74.9 ± 3.2 to 74.1 ± 4.5) did not change significantly (p = 0.19; p = 0.63, respectively).
Interpretation: This combined rTMS + OPE protocol significantly enhances subjective sleep quality and reduces central apneas in OSA, suggesting a novel adjunctive therapeutic option