Effectiveness of Kabat Technique versus Mirror Book Therapy on clinical and electrophysiological parameters in patients with Bell’s palsy: a comparative interventional study

Bell’s palsy significantly impacts facial function, aesthetics, and quality of life.

To compare the effects of the Kabat Technique (KT) and Mirror Book Therapy (MBT) on clinical and electrophysiological parameters in patients with Bell’s palsy.

This randomized controlled trial included 31 patients divided into two groups: KT (n = 16) and MBT (n = 15). Both groups received their respective interventions (6 days/week for 3 weeks) in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Sunnybrook Facial Grading Score and Nerve Conduction Test (amplitude and latency of frontalis, nasalis, and mentalis muscles) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Statistical analysis (SPSS v20) revealed significant intragroup improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparison showed MBT had superior improvements in amplitude of frontalis and reduced latency of nasalis. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the Sunnybrook grade shift.

This study suggests that KT and MBT, combined with conventional physiotherapy, positively impact clinical and electrophysiological parameters in Bell's Palsy patients. MBT showed superior results in select Nerve Conduction Test parameters.