Abstract
Objectives: To explore the best available treatment for Bell’s palsy in comparison of Kabat verses taping techniques.
Methodology: This randomized control trial was conducted in Riphah Rehab and Research Centre at Pakistan General Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi from March 1 to September 1, 2015. The purposive sampling technique was used and 20 patients of Bell’s palsy were assigned to two groups randomly by sealed envelope method. Patients were in age range 20-50 years and had no other neurological deficit. PNF group (n=10) received Kabat Exercises with conventional physiotherapy treatment and Taping group (n=10) received combined Kinesio Taping with conventional physiotherapy for 5 days a week for total 5 weeks. The demographics were recorded at baseline and at the end of intervention. Standardized assessment tools included House Brackmann Scale Qualitative Version, Facial disability Index and Synkinesis assessment questionnaire.
Results: The mean age of patients was 38.20±12.22 years with 11 (55%) males and 9 (45%) females. 60% patients had right side facial paralysis. Major improvement on facial disability index (95% CI 2.94-24.95) was seen for PNF Group as compared to taping group. The Synkinesis assessment questionnaire for PNF group showed better outcomes after intervention (p<0.05).
Conclusion: PNF group using Kabat exercises was more effective as compared to Kinesio Taping for the treatment of Bell’s palsy.

Key words: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Kinesio Taping, synkinesis facial disability.