Table 1_Short-term clinical outcomes associated with a standardized multicomponent facial rehabilitation program in acute or early-subacute peripheral facial nerve palsy: a prospective controlled cohort study.docx

Allocation was non-randomized and based on clinician recommendation and patient preference, and outcome assessors were not blinded. The primary outcome was Week 12 Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) total score. Secondary outcomes included SFGS subscales, House–Brackmann outcomes, Facial Disability Index (FDI), Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE), pain, and stiffness.

Adjusted between-group differences were estimated using multivariable regression controlling for baseline values and prespecified clinical covariates.</p>Results<p>SFGS scores improved in both groups, with greater observed improvement in participants receiving the multicomponent program. At Week 12, mean SFGS scores were 82.5 ± 11.8 versus 69.5 ± 11.5, with mean improvements of 46.7 ± 12.6 versus 33.2 ± 12.5 points. The adjusted between-group difference was 12.7 points (95% CI, 8.8–16.7; p < 0.001).

Repeated-measures analysis showed a significant group-by-time interaction (p < 0.001). More favorable observed outcomes were also found for FDI physical and social/wellbeing scores, FaCE total score, stiffness, and House–Brackmann recovery thresholds. House–Brackmann Grade I–II was achieved by 79.8% versus 34.2% at Week 12.</p>Conclusion<p>The multicomponent rehabilitation program was associated with more favorable short-term clinician-rated and patient-reported outcomes.

Given the non-randomized allocation and unblinded assessment, these findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in randomized, blinded, attention-matched trials.</p>