Effectiveness of Kabat Exercises along with Mirror Therapy in Bell's Palsy
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Abstract
Background: Bell's Palsy, characterized by sudden unilateral facial nerve paralysis, presents significant challenges in facial function and aesthetics, impacting patients' quality of life. Despite the unknown etiology of Bell's Palsy, various treatments, including pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions, have been explored. Among these, Kabat exercises and Mirror Therapy (MT) have shown promise. This study delves into the comparative efficacy of these interventions in the rehabilitation process.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Kabat exercises combined with mirror therapy versus Kabat exercises alone in improving facial function and reducing disability in patients with Bell's Palsy.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 32 Bell's Palsy patients aged 25 to 50 years. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving Kabat exercises combined with mirror therapy (n=16) and the other receiving Kabat exercises alone (n=16). Interventions were administered over a month, comprising 3 sessions per week, each lasting 10-15 minutes. The House Brackmann Grading System (HBGS) and Facial Disability Index (FDI) were employed for pre and post-treatment assessments, along with a one-month follow-up to evaluate the improvements in facial function and disability.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in facial function and reduction in disability post-treatment. However, the combination of Kabat exercises and mirror therapy showed superior outcomes compared to Kabat exercises alone. The HBGS scores improved from a mean of 3.00 to 1.34 in the combined therapy group, compared to a change from 3.00 to 1.41 in the control group (p<0.05). FDI physical function scores enhanced from 1.00 to 2.63 in the combined therapy group, against 1.00 to 2.88 in the control group, indicating a significant difference in recovery (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The integration of Kabat exercises with mirror therapy is more effective in enhancing facial function and reducing disability in Bell's Palsy patients than Kabat exercises alone. This combined approach should be considered a valuable addition to the rehabilitation protocols for Bell's Palsy.
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