Reprinted with permission from
The Journal of Geriatric
Dermatology
Copyright © 1994 by Health Management
Publications, Ind. A Mechanically Aided Resistance Exercise
Program for Sagging Facial Muscles
Gary L. Grove, PhD,
Stan.W. Rimdzius, BS, Charles R. Zerweck,
PhD
Abstract: Facial appearance is particularly
influenced by underlying muscles of facial
expression because they are directly attached
to the skin. Consequently, age associated
changes in facial wrinkles and sags are not
only due to loss of dermal elasticity, but
also might reflect weakened facial muscles.
In the present study, eight healthy, older
females with some signs of facial laxity followed
a mechanically aided facial exercise program
based on progressive resistance for eight
weeks. Muscle strength and skin tone were
measured at baseline and during the treatment
period. We found that biomechanical extensibility
had decreased which was quite consistent with
the primary perception of the panelist that
their facial skin had become firmer and more
elastic. The overall pattern of change also
corresponded nicely to changes in the condition
of their facial muscles as measured by the
time they could hold a high resistance load
or the number of repetitions within a fixed
time frame. The
Journal of Geriatric Dermatology 1994;2(5):152-158
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