The Effect of Infrared (IR) and Mirror Exercise on Increasing Muscle Strength and Functional Ability in Bell's Palsy Cases

Abstract

Bell's Palsy is an acute, ipsilateral facial nerve (VII) paralysis. Bell's palsy is also
caused by swelling and pressure on the nerve in the stylomastoid foramen which
causes damage to the facial nerve. Problems that sufferers often experience after realizing facial muscle weakness from a physiotherapy perspective include facial asymmetry, a feeling of stiffness and thickness on the affected side of the face and decreased facial muscles. force on the affected side has the potential for spasm and tissue adhesions, as well as potential irritation to the affected side of the eye. The population of this study consisted of 30 respondents. Special examination for Bell's palsy sufferers using the Ugo Fisch scale and a treatment program using infrared (IR) and mirror exercise methods. This action aims to increase facial muscle strength, reduce muscle spasm, increase functional activity of facial muscles, and increase functional activity. The sample for this research consisted of 20 respondents. From the results of the hypothesis test, a p-value of 0.000 (alpha < 0.05) is obtained as a critical limit, which means that H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. So, the results of this therapy show a significant increase in facial muscle strength and functional ability between before and after therapy. Based on these results, the intervention given in the form of infrared (IR) and mirror exercise was effective in increasing muscle strength and functional ability as well as improving the participants' nerves.