MIME THERAPY vs MOTOR IMAGERY TECHNIQUE in Bell's Palsy

Riphah International University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Bell Palsy

Treatments: Other: motor imagery; Other: mime therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06340009

REC/01743

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 44 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 20-40 years
• Both male and female
• Patients diagnosed with Bell's Palsy
• Paralysis/paresis of all muscle groups of one side of face

Exclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with facial palsy
• Patients with impaired cognition
• Patients diagnosed with other neurological diseases

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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44 participants in 2 patient groups

Mime therapy group

Experimental group

Description:

Mime therapy focuses on improving facial symmetry and muscle control through self-massage, breathing exercises, eye and lip closure exercises, letter and word exercises, and expression exercises in front of mirror

Treatment:

Other: mime therapy

motor imagery group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Motor imagery technique involves mental rehearsal of motor activities, activating similar brain regions as actual movements, which enhances neuroplasticity.

Treatment:

Other: motor imagery