Effects of Kabat Rehabilitation Versus Kinesiology Taping Combined With Conventional Therapy on Facial Asymmetry and Functional Disability in Patients With Unilateral Bell's Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Kabat Rehabilitation Versus Kinesiology Taping Combined With Conventional Therapy on Facial Asymmetry and Functional Disability in Patients With Unilateral Bell's Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of Kabat rehabilitation versus kinesiology taping, both combined with conventional therapy, on facial asymmetry and functional disability in patients with unilateral Bell's palsy. A total of 38 participants will be recruited from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups using a lottery method. Outcomes will be assessed using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System and the Facial Disability Index at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
This single-blinded randomized clinical trial will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Participants aged 30-50 years diagnosed with unilateral Bell's palsy will be recruited using purposive sampling. After obtaining informed consent, 38 eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two parallel groups using the lottery method.
Group A will receive conventional therapy (facial massage and electrical muscle stimulation) combined with Kabat rehabilitation using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques.
Group B will receive conventional therapy combined with kinesiology taping applied according to a standardized protocol targeting affected facial muscles.
Treatment will be administered for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.
Inclusion Criteria:
Age between 30-50 years Both genders Unilateral Bell's palsy House-Brackmann grade greater than 3 Sufficient physical and mental ability to follow instructions
Exclusion Criteria:
Facial skin lesions or contraindications for procedures Cranial or facial trauma within past 3 months Prior episodes of facial paralysis Craniofacial deformities or degenerative diseases Head and neck malignancy Active infection History of upper motor neuron lesion