The effect of EMG biofeedback in the management of central type facial palsy
Tsauo, J.Y.; Hwang, L.L.; Lien, I.N.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 86(3): 276-281
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0371-7682 PMID: 3598536 Document Number: 564
This study was designed to find the effect of EMG biofeedback on central type facial palsy which resulted from stroke. Forty-five patients were collected and were evenly divided into 3 groups at random. All patients received evaluations before treatment and once every two weeks during the treatment period. In all, each patient was evaluated 5 times. The evaluation included total and local facial assessment. The former consisted of facial appearance and strength scoring. The latter consisted of mouth angle deviation and integrated EMG activities of orbicularis oris muscles. Patients in Groups I and II received treatment 5-6 times a week. Each treatment session of the first group included 5-minute facial exercise followed by 10-minute orbicularis oris muscles training with EMG biofeedback. Fifteen-minute facial exercises was given to them. The patients in Group III (control group) only received a series of 5 evaluations. This study showed that there were no significant differences among the 3 groups in the total facial assessment. In the local facial assessment, the improvement was noted in Group I and Group II. Significant improvement occurred after 2 weeks of training in Group I. However, the improvement was noted later in Group II. The traditional exercise program could be helpful in the recovery of facial function of patients with central type facial palsy. However, the EMG biofeedback would promote and enhance the effect of treatment. We conclude that EMG biofeedback is the best choice in the management of central type facial palsy.
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