Eccentric Facial Muscle Exercises For Bell's Palsy: A Cost-Effective Rehabilitation Protocol For Early And Recovery Phases

Abstract

Background: Bell's palsy affects approximately 20-30 per 100,000 individuals annually. While conventional facial exercises show benefits (Khan et al., 2022; Teixeira et al., 2011), systematic application of eccentric muscle training principles to facial rehabilitation remains unexplored. Objective: To propose an evidence-informed protocol integrating eccentric facial muscle exercises during early and recovery phases of Bell's palsy, emphasizing accessibility and costeffectiveness. Methods: This protocol synthesizes current facial rehabilitation evidence with established eccentric exercise principles to create a progressive home-based intervention requiring minimal equipment. Results: A 12-week protocol is presented incorporating acute protection (weeks 1-3), active eccentric training (weeks 4-8), and functional integration (weeks 9-12) phases. Total material cost: $3-23 per patient versus $1,600-3,600 for conventional therapy. Conclusion: Eccentric facial muscle exercises represent a promising, cost-effective approach addressing gaps in Bell's palsy rehabilitation. Clinical trials are warranted to establish efficacy.