Turkish Validation of the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

Enrolling by invitation

Conditions studied: Facial Paralysis, Facial Palsy, Bell Palsy

In brief

Peripheral facial palsy may result in synkinesis, a condition characterized by involuntary facial muscle movements that occur during voluntary facial expressions. Synkinesis can negatively affect facial function, appearance, and quality of life. The Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a patient-reported outcome measure developed to assess the severity and impact of synkinesis. However, a validated Turkish version is not currently available. The aim of this study is to translate and culturally adapt the SAQ into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability in Turkish-speaking adults with peripheral facial palsy and synkinesis. The Turkish version will be developed using a standardized forward-backward translation process. Participants will complete the Turkish SAQ and the Facial Disability Index (FDI). Reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity will be evaluated to determine whether the Turkish SAQ is a valid and reliable instrument for clinical practice and research.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07750561

Run by

Barış CELBEK

People needed

49

Starts

2026-08-15

Expected to finish

2026-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-08-10

Who can join

Age: any, up to 18. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Diagnosis of peripheral facial palsy.
• At least 6 months since the onset of peripheral facial palsy.
• Clinically confirmed facial synkinesis.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Turkish.
• Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study.

You may not qualify if…

• Presence of a secondary neurological disorder that may affect the facial muscles, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
• Cognitive impairment or severe psychiatric illness that may prevent understanding or completion of the questionnaires.
• History of congenital facial palsy.
• History of major facial surgery or trauma that may affect the assessment of synkinesis.
• Planned botulinum toxin injection or surgical intervention during the test-retest assessment period.

Where it is running

• Biruni University — Istanbul, Cevizlibağ, Turkey (Türkiye)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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