Ab. No. 125 Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Along With Conventional Physiotherapy Treatment on Sleep Parameters Using Polysomnography: A Sleep Study in Individuals With Sleep Apnea: A Single Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose is to find the effectiveness of rTMS along with conventional physiotherapy on polysomnography (PSG)-sleep analysis in individuals with sleep apnea. The study attempts to widen the horizons of the physiotherapy profession in the field of sleep apnea. The improved quality of sleep may improve various domains of the quality of life of affected individuals. Methods: Study design is a case report of an individual with sleep apnea. A 45-year-old male has been diagnosed with sleep apnea for 4 years and has been using a CPAP device for the last 5 months. The patient had excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and difficulty wearing a CPAP mask at night. The physical examination showed obesity (BMI – 25.5 kg/m2), an inappropriate breathing pattern (more mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing), and tightness of accessory respiratory muscles (scalene, trapezius, pectoral, and sternocleidomastoid) on palpation. Then the patient was intervened with rTMS along with conventional physiotherapy for 5 sessions a week for the duration of 3 weeks. Pre- and post-objective assessment were done using polysomnography and subjective assessment were done using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Significant reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was observed after the intervention. Sleep disturbance also decreased during the night and PSQI score also decreased from 8 to 6. Conclusion: The study concluded that rTMS, along with conventional physiotherapy, was found to be an effective treatment and can be used for management of sleep apnea.