Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 15 to 60

Combined neural mobilization with proprioceptive therapy for Bell’s palsy facial symmetry

Official title: Combined Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Neural Mobilization on Improving Facial Symmetry in Patients With Bells Palsy

Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07758543 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A randomized trial tests whether adding neural mobilization to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation helps improve facial symmetry in people with Bell’s palsy.

More Facial Paralysis trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages15 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment38 (estimated)
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 14, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 10, 2026
Study endsJanuary 10, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT07758543 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults and adolescents aged 15–60 with moderate to severe Bell’s palsy in the acute or subacute phase (within 6 months of onset) who have not undergone other rehabilitation.

Probably not a fit

Patients with recurrent Bell’s palsy, other neurological disorders, or conditions contraindicating electrical stimulation may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial compares two rehabilitation approaches for Bell’s palsy: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) alone versus PNF plus neural mobilization. Participants are assessed for facial symmetry and motor function at baseline and after four weeks using the House–Brackmann scale and the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. The study plans 36 participants at a single site in Islamabad, with sessions three times a week for four weeks. Data will be analyzed with SPSS to determine if the combination therapy provides superior outcomes over PNF alone.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined therapy could offer patients a more effective rehabilitation approach to restore facial symmetry and function.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows beneficial effects of individual rehabilitation techniques; this study explores a novel combination whose effectiveness is yet to be proven.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 15-60 years.
* Both male and female.
* Patient diagnosed with bells palsy by neurologist or relevant specialist.
* Patients with moderate to severe Bell's palsy evaluated by Modified House-Brackman SCALE
* Patient without exposure to any other rehabilitation program
* Patients within the acute or subacute phases (within 6 months of onset)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a history of recurrent Bell's palsy or other neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
* Patients with pacemakers, metal implants or other contraindications for electrical muscle stimulation.
* Presence of facial trauma or surgical interventions that might interfere with rehabilitation outcomes.
* Co-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, infections, or malignancies) that might impair nerve recovery or affect study outcomes

Where it's running

  • Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
    Islamabad, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.