Efficacy of Nasal Myofunctional Therapy in Nasal Valve Collapse: A Review

ObjectiveSurgical correction continues to be the mainstay of treatment for nasal valve collapse. This narrative review explores the efficacy of nasal myofunctional therapy, including biofeedback training, nasal muscle exercises, and electrostimulation, in treating nasal valve collapse.Review MethodsA search for abstracts was performed in April 2026 using PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases using the search terms "nasal muscle", "nasal valve", "exercise", "electromyography", "electric stimulation", "collapse", and "obstruction". Selection criteria were identified and data was extracted by two independent reviewers from the identified studies.ResultsBiofeedback training with nasal muscle exercises showed some improvement in nasal valve function. Electrostimulation resulted in initial improvement but failed to offer long-term benefits. Nasal muscle exercises as a standalone treatment were not found to provide significant subjective improvement. Notably, the addition of electrostimulation to therapy with biofeedback and muscle exercises did not significantly improve nasal valve obstruction.DiscussionPreliminary evidence suggests that there is insufficient high-quality data to support nasal muscle strengthening therapies, including biofeedback training, as effective treatments for nasal valve collapse. While uncontrolled studies report subjective and objective improvements, the highest level of evidence did not demonstrate statistically significant benefit. The limited and heterogeneous literature, along with potential publication bias, underscores the need for further well-designed studies to clarify efficacy and long-term outcomes.