Bell's palsy, characterized by unilateral paralysis/paresis of facial muscles, is a condition with a significant impact on individuals' lives. It was first identified by scientist Sir Charles Bell, and its sudden onset can lead to social, psychological, and emotional distress. Left untreated, Bell's palsy can have long-lasting effects on a patient's quality of life, including loss of facial muscle control, emotional stress, and communication difficulties. Rehabilitation protocols encompass various physical therapy techniques, among which Mime therapy and Motor imagery technique have shown promise.
While rehabilitation protocols have shown promise in enhancing facial muscle control, reducing disability, and preventing long-term complications, there remains a critical gap in the literature regarding the comparative effectiveness of various rehabilitation techniques. Currently, there is limited empirical evidence to guide healthcare professionals in selecting the most suitable rehabilitation approach for individual patients. The purpose of this study is to address this gap in knowledge by comparing two specific rehabilitation techniques: Mime therapy and Motor imagery technique. Understanding which of these rehabilitation techniques is more effective can significantly influence clinical practice and patient care. By conducting a systematic comparison, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to healthcare professionals in selection of appropriate rehabilitation protocol for Bell's palsy patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
44
1. Facial Massage 2. Frowning 3. Close eyes 4. Smile 5. Fish Face 6. Eyebrow raising 7. Breathing exercise 8. Blow cheeks 9. Mouth opening and closing. 10. Moving lips side to side 11. Blow a candle. 12. Nasal flaring 13. Chewing exercise 14. Rinse mouth 15. Speaking vowels 16. Fill mouth with water 17. Fill rubber balloon 18. Sucking water with straw
1. Raising your eyebrows 2. Showing angry face 3. Closing and opening eyes 4. Pouting 5. Blowing cheeks 6. Smiling 7. Nasal flaring 8. Blowing candle 9. Deviating lips side to side 10. Chewing something 11. Speaking vowels
Muzaffar Hospital
Sargodha, Pakistan
RECRUITINGHouse-Brackmann Scale (HBS)
A widely used scale to assess facial nerve dysfunction.Grades facial muscle function from I (normal) to VI (total paralysis). - Higher scores indicate more severe dysfunction.
Time frame: week 6
Facial Disability Index (FDI)
A patient-reported outcome measure assessing the impact of facial palsy on daily life.Assesses physical, social, and emotional functioning - Uses a questionnaire. - Higher scores indicate a greater impact on daily life.
Time frame: week 6
Sunnybrook Facial Grading System
An assessment tool for evaluating facial muscle function, including static and dynamic aspects.
Time frame: week 6
Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
An assessment tool specifically designed to evaluate synkinesis- related symptoms. Assesses the presence and severity of synkinesis symptoms during voluntary actions. - Uses a questionnaire. - Higher scores indicate more severe synkinesis-related symptoms.
Time frame: week 6
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