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

<b>Purpose:</b> 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. <b>Method:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> 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. <b>Conclusions:</b> 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 RehabilitationThe 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. 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.

研究目的：镜像疗法（Mirror Therapy, MT）是治疗贝尔麻痹（Bell’s Palsy, BP）的有效辅助手段，但传统双镜式装置会削弱治疗效果。此外，鲜有研究报道面部具身感知的相关影响因素。本研究旨在评估新型面部镜像系统（Face Mirroring System, FMS）的可行性，并对比其与传统镜像书（Mirror Book, MB）疗法对贝尔麻痹患者面部具身感知的影响效果。研究方法：本研究采用受试者内设计试验方案。共招募36名贝尔麻痹患者，在分别随机使用FMS与MB完成各类面部任务（静息、面部表情表达、发音）后，对其用户体验及面部具身感知情况开展调研。研究结果：问卷数据显示，相较于MB，FMS拥有更优异的用户体验与面部具身感知评分。相较于静息状态，患者在使用两种装置完成面部表情表达与发音任务时，对面部具身感知相关表述的认同度均显著更高。研究结论：FMS是一种可行且更优的贝尔麻痹患者镜像疗法实施装置。此外，结合言语训练的运动干预是促进面部具身感知的更优策略。康复应用启示：面部镜像系统是用于贝尔麻痹患者镜像疗法的可行且优化的装置。通过整合多维度感觉反馈可提升面部具身感知水平。结合言语的运动任务在促进面部具身感知方面具有可观应用潜力。面部镜像系统是用于贝尔麻痹患者镜像疗法的可行且优化的装置。通过整合多维度感觉反馈可提升面部具身感知水平。结合言语的运动任务在促进面部具身感知方面具有可观应用潜力。