Effect of face massage applied to individuals diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease on motor aphasia and face paralysis

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of facial massage on aphasia and facial impairment in individuals diagnosed with scerebrovasculer dsease and facial involvement. Materials and Methods: This research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample consisted of patients hospitalized in the Neurology Department of a state hospital in Manisa province with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study, and 63 patients (32 intervention-31 control) between February and July 2024. Patient Identification Form, Facial Deficiency Index and Gülhane Aphasia Test-2 were used to collect data. Results: In this study, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in demographic characteristics except for the person who provided care to the patient (p>0.05). The intervention group showed a statistically significant difference in terms of the Facial Insufficiency Index score, pre-test and post-test scores (p=0.001 < 0.05). The post-test Facial Insufficiency Index score did not show a statistically significant difference compared to the Control and Intervention groups (p=0.181 > 0.05). The intervention group showed a statistically significant difference in terms of the Repetition Sub-Dimension score, pre-test and post-test scores (p=0.000<0.05). According to the Post-Test Control and Intervention groups, the Gülhane Aphasia Test-2 Score shows a statistically significant difference (p=0.012<0.05). There were significant differences between the GAT-2 test scores and the facial deficiency index scores of patients who received facial massage in individuals diagnosed with Cerebrovascular Disease. Conclusion: It was concluded that facial massage applied to individuals diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease and experiencing facial involvement has positive effects on motor aphasia and facial paralysis. These findings suggest that facial massage is an effective rehabilitation method for improving aphasia and facial functions.