Actively Recruiting
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Unilateral Central Facial Palsy: An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Aarhus · Updated on 2026-03-09
130
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Aarhus
Lead Sponsor
D
Danish Association of Occupational Therapist
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on improving facial symmetry in people who have central facial palsy caused by stroke. Central facial palsy is a common condition after stroke, affecting about 45% of patients, and can cause facial asymmetry, difficulty closing the mouth, problems with eating, bite marks on the cheek, social isolation, and lower quality of life. This trial aims to compare NMES combined with usual facial palsy training to usual training alone, as there is currently little scientific evidence on the effectiveness of these treatments. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive NMES in addition to their usual care, which includes mimical exercises, facio-oral sensory input, and kinesio taping. The other group will receive the usual care without NMES. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a pilot phase, and participants from the pilot will be included in the main trial. The treatments will be administered over a four-week period. During the study, participants will be assessed using tools such as My Facial Quantification (MyFacialQ) from enrollment to the end of treatment at four weeks. Additional measurements include the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation, with follow-up lasting up to three months after the intervention. The trial will monitor facial symmetry improvements and functional outcomes related to facial palsy. The entire study period extends to December 2030, allowing for long-term observation and data collection.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Unilateral Central Facial Palsy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Central facial palsy
- First time stroke
- 18 years or older
- Able to provide written consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to cooperate for mimical exercises
- Contraindications for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
- Admitted for a three weeks assessment stay at the hospital
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation as an add-on to usual care or usual care alone for unilateral central facial palsy.
Weekly visits for 4 weeks
Duration - 3 months
Participants are assessed for facial function and recovery after completing treatment.
1 visit after treatment completion
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Hammel neurorehabilitation centre and university research clinic
Hammel, Denmark, 8450
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jesper Fabricius, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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