Facial therapy in children with facial palsy: development of innovative exercise package

Figures and consequences facial paralysis

An estimated 758 to 2298 children are affected by peripheral facial palsy every year in Belgium (Wolfovitz et al., 2016). The condition can be either congenital or acquired. A facial palsy is very profound in a child's development physically, functionally and psychosocially (Reddy & Redett, 2015).

Enhancing quality of life with mime therapy

Mime therapy is an evidence-based therapy method developed specifically for individuals with peripheral facial palsy (Beurskens, 2006; Beurskens & Speksnijder, 2014). Massage, mimic exercises, functional training and counselling aim to:

• increase symmetry and functional capabilities;
• reduce the adverse impact on the child's quality of life and further development.

Besides guidance in the presence of a specialised (mime) therapist, daily practice is also crucial.

Mime therapy tailored to children

The principles of these and other common therapy methods can be applied to children, provided appropriate practice materials and adapted didactics. However, there is little to no research on both the content and didactic emphases of therapy more specifically in children. Experts working with children with facial palsy experience a great lack of tailored therapy materials. It is also a major challenge to motivate and stimulate children throughout the therapy process.  

Consequently, there is a need for adapted, attractive and challenging work forms that can contribute to the efficiency of the treatment. These are not available to date. This applies both to rehabilitation after partial recovery (classical therapy) and after specific dynamic surgery.

Innovative technology optimises mime therapy

Implementing innovative technology and gamification can add value in therapy through creating a challenging, engaging, varied and motivating setting. This, in turn, can strengthen therapy adherence and consequently lead to increased output, efficiency and effectiveness.

Recommendations for mime therapy in children

During this project, practice-oriented recommendations for the therapeutic management of children with peripheral facial palsy will initially be developed. These will form the basis for the development of an adapted exercise package. The possibilities of implementing attractive digital practice materials, innovative technology and gamification will be explored.

References:
Beurskens, C.H.G., & Heymans, P.G. (2006). Mime therapy improves facial symmetry in people with long-term facial neve paresis:  A randomised controlled trial. Austr J Phys Ther, 52, 177-83.
Beurskens, C., & Speksnijder, C. (2014). Mimetherapie bij perifere aangezichtsverlamming. Physios, 1, 45-53.
Reddy, S., & Redett, R. (2015). Facial Paralysis in Children. Facial Plastic Surgery, 31, 117–122.
Wolfovitz, A., Yehudai, N., & Luntz, M. (2016). Prognostic Factors for Facial Nerve Palsy in a Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Study and Review. The Laryngoscope, 127, 1175-1180.