Comparing the effectiveness of mime therapy and neuromuscular re-education in improving facial symmetry and function in acute Bell's palsy: a pilot randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Background/aims Untreated Bell's palsy may lead to disability and reduced quality of life, while early intervention can improve prognosis. This pilot randomised clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of mime therapy and neuromuscular re-education in improving facial symmetry and function in patients with acute Bell's palsy. Methods A total of 20 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy were included in this study after meeting the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of ten. Group A received mime therapy while group B received neuromuscular re-education. Each participant received 12 sessions of the respective treatment over 2 weeks and was assessed for facial symmetry and function using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System and the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale respectively. Results Although both mime therapy and neuromuscular re-education showed highly significant improvements within each group for both the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (P=0.005) and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (P=0.005); they showed no difference between each group for the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (P=0.212) and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (P=0.97). Conclusions Mime therapy and neuromuscular re-education are equally effective in the recovery of facial symmetry and function in acute Bell's palsy. Physiotherapists can choose between either technique based on their skills and preference or based on patient comfort and expectation.