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Effects of Facial Muscles Exercise on Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Rumiko Okamoto1, Toshie Manabe2, Katsuyoshi Mizukami1
1Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo 112-0012, Japan.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Facial muscle exercises may improve mental health, including reducing depressive symptoms and stress. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Global rise in mental health disorders.
- Established link between facial expressions and mental well-being.
- COVID-19 pandemic's impact on face-to-face communication and expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- Systematically review evidence on voluntary facial muscle exercise interventions for mental health.
- Clarify the effectiveness of facial exercises in improving mental health parameters.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of experimental studies published between 2007 and 2018.
- Screened 61,096 references, including seven experimental studies.
- Assessed study quality and extracted mental health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seven studies suggest facial muscle exercises may benefit mental health.
- Potential improvements noted in depressive symptoms, mood, and chronic stress levels.
- Results were non-coherent across the included studies.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary facial muscle exercise shows potential for improving certain mental health aspects.
- Low quality of existing studies necessitates further rigorous research.
- Confirmation of mental health benefits requires more robust evidence.
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