Comparative Effects of Mime Therapy and Action Observation Therapy in Bell's Palsy

Comparative Effects of Mime Therapy and Action Observation Therapy on Facial Symmetry and Quality of Life in Bell's Palsy

The aim of this study is to determine comparative effects of mime therapy and action observation therapy on facial symmetry and quality of life in Bell's palsy. Bell's palsy is characterized as an abrupt paralysis of the peripheral facial nerve, typically without a known cause. Mime Therapy is a performing technique that helps patients regain the ability to use their face muscles. Action observation therapy is novel rehabilitation approach exploiting this mirror mechanism.

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in 7 months. 62 participants with Bell's palsy will be included as per sample size calculation through convenience sampling technique. Participants which meet inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated using online randomization tool into two groups. Group A will receive Mime therapy for 30 minutes with short resting interval and Group B will receive action observation therapy for 30 minutes. Each group will receive treatment session of 5 days per week for 6 weeks.

Facial symmetry will be measured using the 13-item Sunny Brook facial Grading System, Facial disability index will be used to assess the quality of life and The House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System will be used to characterize the degree of facial paralysis. The data will be analyzed using SPSS version 24 for Windows software.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Bell's Palsy with acute onset of 1-3 weeks.
2. Unilateral loss of facial weakness.
3. Patients with intact taste sensation.
4. Bell's Palsy of House Brackmann grade 3 and 4.
5. Idiopathic Bell's Palsy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of facial palsy recurrence.
2. Stroke associated Bells palsy.
3. History of pregnancy
4. Subjects with any disability, fracture, or tumor.
5. History of facial surgery.
6. Subject having skin allergy on face.