Evaluating Combined Neural Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation for Improving Facial Symmetry in Bells Palsy Patients Aged 15 to 60

What this Trial Is About

Bells palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face that affects facial movement, speech, eating, and emotional well-being. This study evaluates whether combining targeted neural mobilization with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation PNF improves facial symmetry and motor function more effectively than PNF alone in patients aged 15 to 60 with moderate to severe Bells palsy. The trial is a randomized controlled study conducted over one year with 36 participants. Participants are assigned by coin toss to either an experimental group receiving neural mobilization plus PNF and conventional therapy or a control group receiving only PNF and conventional therapy. Both groups attend sessions three times per week for four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Neural mobilization involves gentle facial nerve movement within a pain-free range, while PNF uses rhythmic initiation and resisted voluntary movements targeting specific facial muscles. Conventional therapy includes facial exercises with electrical stimulation and daily home exercises with mirror feedback. During the study, participants are assessed at the start and after four weeks using the House-Brackman scale and Sunnybrook facial grading system to measure facial paralysis severity and resting symmetry. Researchers monitor improvements in facial symmetry and motor function through these scales. Data analysis will be conducted using statistical software. The total participation time includes the four-week intervention period with regular assessments to evaluate treatment effects.

Combined Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Neural Mobilization on Improving Facial Symmetry in Patients With Bells Palsy