Facial exercises or mirror tricks: which works better for Bell's palsy?
NCT ID NCT07716683
First seen Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two rehabilitation techniques—mirror book therapy and mime therapy—for people with Bell's palsy, a condition that causes sudden facial paralysis. Participants perform structured exercises to improve facial symmetry, muscle control, and expression. The trial measures which approach leads to better recovery and patient satisfaction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- mirror book therapy and mime therapy
- What this could lead to
- If one therapy proves more effective, it could become a standard rehabilitation approach for Bell's palsy, improving facial recovery and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 66 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Both therapies are behavioral and may show only modest benefits.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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66 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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30 to 50 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed unilateral Bell's palsy Duration within specified study period Both genders Willing to participate Exclusion Criteria: Bilateral facial paralysis Neurological disorders affecting facial function Previous facial surgery Severe comorbid conditions
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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ULTH
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can targeted exercises and nerve stretching restore a symmetrical smile?
- Laser therapy shows promise for chronic Bell's palsy
- Can electric acupuncture waves restore a paralyzed face?
- AI could take the guesswork out of Bell's palsy recovery
- Can tiny needles soothe dry eyes after facial paralysis?
- Facial paralysis hope: new rehab techniques tested