Minimizing synkinesis during rehabilitation of the paralyzed face: preliminary assessment of a new small-movement therapy.

Paper

Minimizing synkinesis during rehabilitation of the paralyzed face: preliminary assessment of a new small-movement therapy.

Published Jun 1, 1995 · B. Segal, T. Hunter, I. Danys

The Journal of otolaryngology

UNKNOWN SJR score

52

Citations

2

Influential Citations

Semantic Scholar

Abstract

Neuromuscular rehabilitation can reduce the severity of chronic facial paralysis, but complete recovery is frequently impeded by synkinesis. We evaluated whether or not such synkinesis could be minimized by preventing its possible reinforcement during rehabilitation. We compared "standard" therapy, which uses the appearance of synkinesis to guide rehabilitation, with a new "small-movement" therapy, which uses smaller movements that should minimize possible subthreshold reinforcement of synkinesis. Ten subjects who had had facial paralysis for 0.5 to 27 years were randomly assigned to either therapy group. Blinded assessments were performed before and after ten 1-hour treatments given over a 1-month interval. Facial movements in both groups were significantly more symmetric after treatment. Although synkinesis tended to be reduced in the small-movement group, this reduction was not significant. The new therapy was at least as good as the standard one, and it may be better. Further studies are required to demonstrate this.

RCT

Study Snapshot

Key takeawaySmall-movement therapy is as effective as standard therapy for reducing facial paralysis severity, and may be better.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Minimizing synkinesis during rehabilitation of the paralyzed face: preliminary assessment of a new small-movement therapy.

References

Citations