Positive effects of mime therapy on sequelae of facial paralysis: stiffness, lip mobility, and social and physical aspects of facial disability

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of the effect of mime therapy, a novel therapy combining mime and physiotherapy, for patients with longstanding (at least 9 months) sequelae of unilateral peripheral facial paralysis.

Study design: Randomized clinical trial, with the treatment group receiving mime therapy and the control group forming a waiting list.

Setting: Physiotherapy outpatient department of two university medical centers.

Patients: There were 50 patients, 21 men and 29 women, with sequelae of facial paralysis and a mean House-Brackmann score of Grade IV.

Intervention: Mime therapy, including automassage, relaxation exercises, inhibition of synkinesis, coordination exercises, and emotional expression exercises.

Main outcome measures: Stiffness of the face, lip mobility (both lip and pout length) and the physical and social index of the Facial Disability Index.

Results: Stiffness, lip mobility, and both aspects of the Facial Disability Index improved substantially because of mime therapy.

Conclusions: On the basis of present evidence, mime therapy is a good treatment choice for patients with sequelae of facial paralysis.