JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of a functional training in improving function of facial muscles in people with facial palsy due to trauma. Settings and Design: Saveetha Physiotherapy OPD, Two group pre-test post-test non-equivalent design. Methods: 20 participants based on convenient sampling were assigned to either receive Functional training group or conventional treatment group. The primary outcome measures are House Brackman score and facial disability index (FDI). Statistical analysis used: Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the data sets between the groups. Results: Between group analysis of post-test mean and standard deviation for House-Brackman score for Func-tional training group and conventional treatment were 1.6(1) and 3.67(0.72) respectively. It was statistically significant with p<0.05.Between group analysis for FDI were statistically significant with p=0.01 at the end of 4 weeks for both subscales of physical and social. Conclusions: Functional training may improve function of facial muscles and can be recommended for people affected with facial palsy due to trauma.

Keywords: functional training, traumatic facial palsy, facial exercises, recovery of function, facial rehabilitation, FDI, House-Brackman, Task training.