Comparative Effects of Kabat Rehabilitation and Kinesiotaping on Functional Disability, Synkinesis and Patient Satisfaction in Patients with Bell’s Palsy

Abstract

Background: Bell's palsy is when one side of the face suddenly becomes paralyzed. This can cause problems with how the face moves and feels. Two different therapies, Kabat Rehabilitation and Kinesiotaping, have been used to try to make people with Bell's palsy feel better. Objective: To compare effects of Kabat rehabilitation and Kinesiotaping on functional disability, synkinesis and patient satisfaction in patients with bell’s palsy Methodology: In a study with 72 participants aged 20 to 60, all diagnosed with Bell's palsy for less than two weeks, individuals were split into two groups. Group A underwent a treatment called Kabat Rehabilitation, while Group B received both Kabat Rehabilitation and Kinesiotaping. The study evaluated how well the face moved, unwanted facial movements, and patient satisfaction using specific measures. These evaluations were conducted at the beginning, middle (Week 3), and end (Week 6) of the study. Results: In a study of Bell's palsy treatments, Kabat Rehabilitation and Kinesio Kabat Rehabilitation were compared. By Week 6, the Kinesio Kabat group demonstrated greater improvements in physical function (Avg Diff.=-6.97, P<0.001), social function (Avg Diff.=- 10.36, P<0.001), and synkinesis (Avg Diff.=-3.25, P=0.024), with higher patient satisfaction (P=0.001). The results favor the Kinesio Kabat Rehabilitation approach based on these numerical evaluations. Conclusion: Both Kabat Rehabilitation and Kinesiotaping are effective in improving functional disability and synkinesis in Bell's palsy patients. Kabat Rehabilitation showed slightly greater benefits in patient satisfaction at the later stage of treatment. These findings provide valuable insights into the efficacy of these rehabilitation techniques for Bell's palsy and highlight the importance of considering patient satisfaction as an essential outcome measure. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to validate and expand upon these findings