Comparison between Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Neuromuscular Re-Education for Reducing Facial Disability and Synkinesis in Patients with Bell’s palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of neuromuscular re-education technique and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on improving facial disability and synkinesis in rehabilitation of bell's palsy. Methodology: It was a randomized clinical trial consisting 40 participants (males and females) 20 in each group, with Bell’s palsy of non-traumatic origin. Group A received proprioceptive neuromuscular technique (PNF) with conventional PT treatment and Group B received facial neuromuscular re-education technique (NMR) combined with conventional PT treatment for 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Results: The result suggest that Group A had significant higher score at Sunny brook facial grading scale (SFGS) whereas in Facial Disability Index (FDI) Group A had significant difference at total score but there was no significant difference over individual component (social and physical function). Group B had significant better improvement over Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). Conclusions: Both PNF group and NMR showed significant results and displayed efficient improvement in facial symmetry after 4 weeks of treatment. PNF with conventional PT is more effective in improving facial function and reducing facial disability whereas NMR with conventional PT is better in reducing synkinesis in Bell’s palsy rehabilitation.