Computer vision technology-based face mirroring system providing mirror therapy for Bell’s palsy patients

Abstract

Purpose: Mirror therapy (MT) is an effective adjunct treatment for Bell’s palsy (BP); however, a bifold mirror-based apparatus hindered the effectiveness. Besides, few studies have reported the related factors of facial embodiment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel face mirroring System (FMS) and the effects on facial embodiment in BP patients, comparing with conventional mirror book (MB) therapy.

Method: This was a within-subject design trial. Thirty-six BP patients were recruited and received investigations on user experience and perception of facial embodiment after each facial task (reset, facial expression, and enunciation) when using both FMS and MB separately and randomly.

Results: Data of questionnaires showed FMS had a better user experience and perception of facial embodiment comparing with MB. Patients agreed more strongly on the statements of facial embodiment for facial expression and enunciation tasks when using both apparatuses, comparing with rest.

Conclusions: The FMS is a feasible and optimal setup to provide MT for BP patients. Moreover, speech paired motor training is a superior strategy for facilitating facial embodiment.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Face Mirroring System is a feasible and optimal apparatus for mirror therapy in Bell’s palsy patients.

• Perception of facial embodiment can be increased via combining multiple sensory feedbacks.

• Speech paired motor tasks have considerable potential to facilitate facial embodiment.

Keywords:

• Bell’s palsy
• mirror visual feedback
• face mirroring
• embodiment
• user experience
• sensory feedback

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mr. Auguste Koh for his excellent language editing. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality [Grant No. 15441901601 and 16441905303], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 61771313], the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China [Grant No. SS2015AA020501].