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Published on: April 20, 2022
The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on state and trait anxiety among undergraduates with insomnia
Muyu Chen1,2, Xinyu Liu1, Xinpeng Zhang1
1Department of Military Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, NO. 30 of Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China.
Backgrounds:
To investigate the effects of rTMS on state and trait anxiety among undergraduates with insomnia symptoms.
Methods:
Forty-one participants were randomized to the active rTMS group (n = 21) or sham group (n = 20). 32 participants completed all assessments and were included in the final analysis (Active group: 17; Sham group: 15). Participants received 1 Hz rTMS interventions targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 2 weeks, comprising 10 sessions (active vs. sham stimulation). Sleep quality and anxiety were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at baseline(T0), post-intervention(T1), and 8 weeks' follow-up(T2).
Results:
Mixed ANOVA results showed that, following the intervention, compared to the Sham group, the Active Group showed significant improvements in PSQI and STAI-S scores, and the Group×Time interaction effect was significant (PSQI: F (2, 60) = 5.27, P = 0.008; STAI-S: F (2, 60) = 9.09, P < 0.001). Simple effects showed that at both T1 and T2, the PSQI of the Active group was lower than that of the Sham group (P < 0.01); at T2, the STAI-S of the Active group was lower than that of the Sham group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Compared with sham stimulation, 1 Hz rTMS can effectively improve insomnia and state anxiety among undergraduates, and the improvement effect persists at the 8-week follow-up.
Trial Registration:
The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive flexibility in college students with insomnia (ChiCTR2400081263, 2024/02/28) URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=202951 (Retrospectively registered).
