Physical therapy for peripheral facial palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the efficacy of physical therapy for patients with peripheral facial palsy.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Ichushi-Web, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Published randomized controlled trials comparing the physical therapy versus placebo/non-treatment for peripheral facial palsy such as Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and traumatic facial palsy were included for meta-analysis.

Quantitative evaluation of age-related alteration of swallowing function: Videofluoroscopic and manometric studies.

Objective: Swallowing function progressively deteriorates with advancing age, leading to high morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. To establish strategies for treatment of age-related swallowing disorders, the mechanisms of such disorders must be quantitatively clarified. The purpose of this paper was to elucidate the swallowing function of healthy elderly individuals by comparison with that of young adults by videofluorographic and manometric examinations.