Validity based on the response processes of the MMBGR Protocol Infants and Preschoolers: Instructional and Orofacial Myofuncional Clinical History. / Validade baseada nos processos de respostas - Protocolo MMBGR Lactentes e Pré-escolares: Instrutivo e História Clínica Miofuncional Orofacial.

PURPOSE: Present the step of evidence of validity based on the responses to procedures of the MMBGR Protocol Infants and Preschoolers: Instructional and Orofacial Myofunctional Clinical History. METHODS: Study developed according to phonoaudiologic tests validations recommendations. Validity analysis performed based on the process of instrument response. Ten speech therapists, that work on phonoaudiology clinic and/or orofacial myofunctional research on the population with age between 6 to 71 months, participated and applied the MMBGR Protocol Infants and Preschoolers: Instructional and Orofacial Myofunctional Clinical History with those responsible for the children. The speech therapists appraised the instrument applicability via Google®ï¸ electronic forms, containing dichotic and/or multiple-choice questions, and likert scale with space to justify negative answers. The data was tabulated on Microsoft Excel 2016®ï¸ worksheets and analyzed by the content validity index (CVI). The software R Core Team 2022 (Versão 4.2.2) was used. RESULTS: All items from the MMBGR Protocol Infants and Preschoolers: Instructional and Orofacial Myofunctional Clinical History were valid when applied to real contexts. Orofacial Myofunctional Clinic history protocol- IVC 100% in terms of ease of application and filling and usage in professional practice; IVC 90% in terms of usefulness for phonoaudiology clinic. The instructional got IVC 80% in terms of clinic usefulness and 70% regarding to the prior reading necessity to fill the MMBGR Protocol Infants and Preschoolers. CONCLUSION: The Instrucional and Orofacial Myofunctional Clinical History, in the MMBGR Protocol Infants and Preschoolers had its validity proven based on the processes of responses to the usage on phonoaudiology clinic.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar a etapa da evidência de validade baseada nos processos de respostas do Protocolo MMBGR Lactentes e Pré-escolares: Instrutivo e História Clínica Miofuncional Orofacial. MÉTODO: Estudo desenvolvido conforme recomendações para validação de testes em Fonoaudiologia. Realizada análise da validade baseada nos processos de resposta do instrumento. Participaram dez fonoaudiólogos, que atuam em clínica e/ou pesquisa da Motricidade Orofacial com população entre 6 e 71 meses de idade, que aplicaram o Protocolo MMBGR Lactentes e Pré-escolares: Instrutivo e História Clínica Miofuncional Orofacial junto aos responsáveis pelas crianças. Os fonoaudiólogos emitiram apreciação sobre aplicabilidade do instrumento via formulário eletrônico do Google®, contendo questões dicóticas e/ou múltipla escolha, e escala likert com espaço para justificar respostas negativas. Os dados foram tabulados em planilhas Microsoft Excel 2016® e analisados pelo Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC). Utilizado software R Core Team 2022 (Versão 4.2.2). RESULTADOS: Todos os itens do Protocolo MMBGR Lactentes e Pré-escolares: Instrutivo e História Clínica Miofuncional Orofacial foram válidos na aplicação em contexto real. Protocolo de História Clínica Miofuncional Orofacial - IVC 100% quanto à facilidade de aplicação e preenchimento, e uso na prática profissional; e IVC 90% quanto à utilidade para clínica fonoaudiológica. O Instrutivo obteve IVC 80% quanto à utilidade e 70% referente à necessidade de leitura prévia para preenchimento do Protocolo MMBGR Lactentes e Pré-escolares. CONCLUSÃO: O Instrutivo e o Protocolo História Clínica Miofuncional Orofacial, pertencentes ao protocolo MMBGR ­ Lactentes e Pré-escolares tiveram comprovada validade baseada nos processos de resposta, para uso na clínica fonoaudiológica.

Effectiveness of novel facial stretching with structured exercise versus conventional exercise for Bell's palsy: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of a novel technique involving facial stretching of the unaffected side along with a structured exercise for the affected side on facial symmetry and facial functions as compared to conventional exercise. A hospital-based parallel-group randomized trial was completed among patients with acute Bell's palsy in Mangalore, India. Participants were randomized to receive facial stretching and a structured exercise program (experimental group) or the conventional exercise regimen (conventional group). Primary outcomes were facial symmetry and voluntary movement; assessed by the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Both regimens were given for 3 weeks, with baseline, 10th day, and 20th day assessments. Out of 31 participants screened, 24 were eligible and 12 participants each were assigned to experimental and conventional groups. Change scores revealed greater improvement in the SFGS score (p = 0.002) for the experimental group participants. Facial stretching and structured exercise program exhibited promising results in enhancing facial symmetry and function in acute Bell's palsy when compared to conventional exercise regimen.

Orbicularis oculi muscle activity during computer reading under different degrees of artificially-induced aniseikonia.

Background: Aniseikonia is a binocular vision disorder that has been associated with asthenopic symptoms. However, asthenopia has been evaluated with subjective tests that make difficult to determine the level of aniseikonia. This study aims to objectively evaluate the impact of induced aniseikonia at different levels on visual fatigue by measuring the orbicularis oculi muscle activity in the dominant and non-dominant eyes while performing a reading task. Methods: Twenty-four collegiate students (24.00 ± 3.86 years) participated in this study. Participants read a passage for 7 minutes under four degrees of aniseikonia (0%, 3%, 5% and 10%) at 50 cm. Orbicularis oculi muscle activity of the dominant and non-dominant eye was recorded by surface electromyography. In addition, visual discomfort was assessed after each task by completing a questionnaire. Results: Orbicularis oculi muscle activity increased under induced aniseikonia (i.e., greater values for the 10% condition in comparison to 0%, and 3% conditions (p = 0.034 and p = 0.023, respectively)). No statistically significant differences were observed in orbicularis oculi muscle activity for the time on task and between the dominant and non-dominant eyes. Additionally, higher levels of subjective visual discomfort were observed for lower degrees of induced aniseikonia. Conclusion: Induced aniseikonia increases visual fatigue at high aniseikonia degrees as measured by the orbicularis oculi muscle activity, and at low degrees as measured with subjective questionnaires. These findings may be of relevance to better understand the visual symptomatology of aniseikonia.

Orofacial myofunctional and polysomnographic characteristics of children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study. / Características miofuncionais orofaciais e polissonográficas de crianças com Síndrome de Down e apneia obstrutiva do sono: estudo piloto.

PURPOSE: To investigate oropharyngeal structures and functions in a pediatric population with Down Syndrome (DS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to correlate with the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep questionnaires. METHODS: 12 Children with DS and OSA, between the age of 4 and 12 years old, underwent polysomnography (PSG); sleep questionnaires, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 (OSA-18); and speech-language evaluation using the Short Evaluation of Orofacial Myofunctional Protocol (ShOM). RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between ShoM higher scores and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and between ShoM and the number of hypopneas. The orofacial myofunctional alterations observed in the studied group were: oral breathing, alteration in lip tonus and competence, tongue posture at rest and in swallowing, and occlusal alteration. There was also an increased risk for OSA according to the sleep questionnaires, as well as the presence of obesity and overweight, but without correlation with the severity of OSA. CONCLUSION: All DS children show alterations in orofacial characteristics, higher scores being associated to severe OSA. Orofacial myofunctional evaluation may help to identify different phenotypes in Down syndrome children with Obstructive sleep Apnea, enhancing the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

OBJETIVO: Investigar as estruturas e funções orofaríngeas de uma população pediátrica com Síndrome de Down (SD) e apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) e correlacionar com o índice de apneia/hipopneia (IAH) e questionários do sono. MÉTODO: 12 Crianças com SD e AOS, entre 4 e 12 anos, foram submetidas à polissonografia (PSG); questionários do sono, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) e Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 (OSA-18); e triagem fonoaudiológica por meio do Short Evaluation of Orofacial Myofunctional Protocol (ShOM). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se uma correlação positiva entre pontuações mais elevadas no ShOM e o índice de apneia hipopneia (IAH) e entre o ShOM e número de hipopneias. As alterações miofuncionais orofaciais observadas no grupo estudado foram: respiração oral, alteração no tônus e competência labial, na postura de língua em repouso e na deglutição e alteração oclusal. Verificou-se também, um risco aumentado para AOS conforme os questionários do sono, bem como presença de obesidade e sobrepeso, mas sem correlação com a gravidade da AOS. CONCLUSÃO: Todas as crianças apresentaram alterações miofuncionais orofaciais, sendo que escores mais altos no ShOM, ou seja, um maior comprometimento miofuncional orofacial, estavam associados à maior gravidade de AOS, sugerindo que a avaliação miofuncional orofacial dentro de uma abordagem multidisciplinar pode auxiliar na identificação de fatores de risco para AOS em crianças com SD.

Sensorimotor regulation of facial expression - An untouched frontier.

Facial expression is a critical form of nonverbal social communication which promotes emotional exchange and affiliation among humans. Facial expressions are generated via precise contraction of the facial muscles, guided by sensory feedback. While the neural pathways underlying facial motor control are well characterized in humans and primates, it remains unknown how tactile and proprioceptive information reaches these pathways to guide facial muscle contraction. Thus, despite the importance of facial expressions for social functioning, little is known about how they are generated as a unique sensorimotor behavior. In this review, we highlight current knowledge about sensory feedback from the face and how it is distinct from other body regions. We describe connectivity between the facial sensory and motor brain systems, and call attention to the other brain systems which influence facial expression behavior, including vision, gustation, emotion, and interoception. Finally, we petition for more research on the sensory basis of facial expressions, asserting that incomplete understanding of sensorimotor mechanisms is a barrier to addressing atypical facial expressivity in clinical populations.

Developmental, Physiological and Phylogenetic Perspectives on the Expression and Regulation of Myosin Heavy Chains in Craniofacial Muscles.

This review deals with the developmental origins of extraocular, jaw and laryngeal muscles, the expression, regulation and functional significance of sarcomeric myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) that they express and changes in MyHC expression during phylogeny. Myogenic progenitors from the mesoderm in the prechordal plate and branchial arches specify craniofacial muscle allotypes with different repertoires for MyHC expression. To cope with very complex eye movements, extraocular muscles (EOMs) express 11 MyHCs, ranging from the superfast extraocular MyHC to the slowest, non-muscle MyHC IIB (nmMyH IIB). They have distinct global and orbital layers, singly- and multiply-innervated fibres, longitudinal MyHC variations, and palisade endings that mediate axon reflexes. Jaw-closing muscles express the high-force masticatory MyHC and cardiac or limb MyHCs depending on the appropriateness for the acquisition and mastication of food. Laryngeal muscles express extraocular and limb muscle MyHCs but shift toward expressing slower MyHCs in large animals. During postnatal development, MyHC expression of craniofacial muscles is subject to neural and hormonal modulation. The primary and secondary myotubes of developing EOMs are postulated to induce, via different retrogradely transported neurotrophins, the rich diversity of neural impulse patterns that regulate the specific MyHCs that they express. Thyroid hormone shifts MyHC 2A toward 2B in jaw muscles, laryngeal muscles and possibly extraocular muscles. This review highlights the fact that the pattern of myosin expression in mammalian craniofacial muscles is principally influenced by the complex interplay of cell lineages, neural impulse patterns, thyroid and other hormones, functional demands and body mass. In these respects, craniofacial muscles are similar to limb muscles, but they differ radically in the types of cell lineage and the nature of their functional demands.

The three layered structure of orbicularis oris and buccinator complex with partial connection at the modiolus and partial direct continuation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the structural arrangement of the orbicularis oris (OOr), the buccinator, and the other perioral muscles around the modiolus. METHODS: The perioral muscles in seventeen cadavers fixed with formalin were dissected in situ and/or in isolated muscle specimens, and their layers were reconstructed schematically upon pantomographic view of the skeleton to evaluate their actions. RESULTS: The buccinator was composed of three parts including upper and lower oblique parts in its superficial layer and a middle transverse part in its deep layer. The superior and inferior OOr were composed of an inner marginal part (IM) and an outer labial part (OL) in each. The perioral muscles as a whole were arranged in three layers. The first layer consisted of the depressor anguli oris and the OL of superior OOr connected at the modiolus in a vertical direction. The second layer consisted of the upper and inner oblique part of buccinator and a part of the OL of inferior OOr connected at the modiolus in a horizontal direction. The third layer contained the middle transverse part of buccinator continuous with the IM of both OOr and a part of the OL of inferior OOr without connection to the modiolus. CONCLUSIONS: The different arrangement of the three layers of perioral muscles around the modiolus could serve as a good basis to predict the actions of the individual perioral muscles on the movement of lips in open/close of the oral fissure and widening/narrowing of the lip width.

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of composite lower lip defects with a motor-innervated chimeric facial artery buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the functional and esthetic outcomes of a chimeric innervated buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap (BMM-SIF) for large composite lower lip reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included five patients who underwent lower lip tumor resection and BMM-SIF reconstruction at the Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, between August 2021 and February 2023. Lip function was evaluated using water leakage, cheek puffing tests, and superficial electromyography. Lip appearance was observed using photographs and evaluated through subjective interviews. Donor-site conditions, including facial symmetry and mouth opening, were monitored. RESULTS: All the BMM-SIFs survived. Drooling was the main complication observed shortly after surgery. The water leakage test showed complete oral competence for liquid holding in the 7th month; however, moderate air leakage was present in two patients. Electromyography revealed myoelectric signals from the innervated buccinator at the recipient site. Facial expression and food intake were typically managed. The shape and projection of the vermilion were harmonious and satisfactory for each patient. Neither microstomia nor mouth opening limitation was observed, with an average inter-incisor distance of 37.25±4.4 mm. CONCLUSION: Chimeric motor-innervated BMM-SIF effectively reconstructed large full-thickness lower-lip defects with satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes.

Reading of ingroup politicians' smiles triggers smiling in the corner of one's eyes.

Spontaneous smiles in response to politicians can serve as an implicit barometer for gauging electorate preferences. However, it is unclear whether a subtle Duchenne smile-an authentic expression involving the coactivation of the zygomaticus major (ZM) and orbicularis oculi (OO) muscles-would be elicited while reading about a favored politician smiling, indicating a more positive disposition and political endorsement. From an embodied simulation perspective, we investigated whether written descriptions of a politician's smile would trigger morphologically different smiles in readers depending on shared or opposing political orientation. In a controlled reading task in the laboratory, participants were presented with subject-verb phrases describing left and right-wing politicians smiling or frowning. Concurrently, their facial muscular reactions were measured via electromyography (EMG) recording at three facial muscles: the ZM and OO, coactive during Duchenne smiles, and the corrugator supercilii (CS) involved in frowning. We found that participants responded with a Duchenne smile detected at the ZM and OO facial muscles when exposed to portrayals of smiling politicians of same political orientation and reported more positive emotions towards these latter. In contrast, when reading about outgroup politicians smiling, there was a weaker activation of the ZM muscle and no activation of the OO muscle, suggesting a weak non-Duchenne smile, while emotions reported towards outgroup politicians were significantly more negative. Also, a more enhanced frown response in the CS was found for ingroup compared to outgroup politicians' frown expressions. Present findings suggest that a politician's smile may go a long way to influence electorates through both non-verbal and verbal pathways. They add another layer to our understanding of how language and social information shape embodied effects in a highly nuanced manner. Implications for verbal communication in the political context are discussed.

Electrical stimulation of the lower eyelid orbicularis oculi muscle improves periocular dark circles.

BACKGROUND: We developed and tested the safety and efficacy of a cosmetic device to improve dark circles using electrical muscle stimulation of the orbicularis oculi muscle. METHODS: Overall, 18 participants (36 eyes) were studied. The following five items were evaluated before and after the intervention:(1) the Clinical Dark Circle Score using clinical findings and photographs, (2) transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (TcPO2) on the lower eyelid, (3) thermography, (4) two-dimensional laser blood flowmetry, and (5) spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The mean score at baseline was 2.0 ± 0.90 (mean ± standard deviation), and that at the end of the study was 1.2 ± 1.0 (Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, p < 0.0001), indicating a significant reduction. The spectrophotometer showed a significant decrease in a* and L* values before and after use (Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, p < 0.0001). There was also a weak negative correlation between the change in score and the change in blood flow and TcPO2 measured using a laser perfusion device (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, r = -0.32 and -0.39, respectively). Stratified analysis of the baseline score showed a strong negative correlation between the change in score and the change in spectrophotometric a* in the subjects/group with mild periocular dark circles (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, r = -0.46). Contrastingly, no correlation was observed for any of the measurements in the subjects/group with severe periocular dark circles. After 1 month, no device-related ophthalmic adverse events were observed in any of the participants. CONCLUSION: Electrical muscle stimulation could improve periocular dark circles, especially in the subjects/group with mild periocular dark circles, and was safe.

Identification of the Biomechanical Response of the Muscles That Contract the Most during Disfluencies in Stuttered Speech.

Stuttering, affecting approximately 1% of the global population, is a complex speech disorder significantly impacting individuals' quality of life. Prior studies using electromyography (EMG) to examine orofacial muscle activity in stuttering have presented mixed results, highlighting the variability in neuromuscular responses during stuttering episodes. Fifty-five participants with stuttering and 30 individuals without stuttering, aged between 18 and 40, participated in the study. EMG signals from five facial and cervical muscles were recorded during speech tasks and analyzed for mean amplitude and frequency activity in the 5-15 Hz range to identify significant differences. Upon analysis of the 5-15 Hz frequency range, a higher average amplitude was observed in the zygomaticus major muscle for participants while stuttering (p < 0.05). Additionally, when assessing the overall EMG signal amplitude, a higher average amplitude was observed in samples obtained from disfluencies in participants who did not stutter, particularly in the depressor anguli oris muscle (p < 0.05). Significant differences in muscle activity were observed between the two groups, particularly in the depressor anguli oris and zygomaticus major muscles. These results suggest that the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms of stuttering might involve subtle aspects of timing and coordination in muscle activation. Therefore, these findings may contribute to the field of biosensors by providing valuable perspectives on neuromuscular mechanisms and the relevance of electromyography in stuttering research. Further research in this area has the potential to advance the development of biosensor technology for language-related applications and therapeutic interventions in stuttering.

Why do marionette lines appear? Exploring the anatomical perspectives and role of thread-based interventions.

The pathogenesis of marionette lines involves a complex interplay of anatomical, physiological, and age-related factors leading to the development of wrinkles around the oral commissures. This exploration delves into the distinct anatomical predispositions observed among different ethnicities, emphasizing the role of compact modiolus structures and muscle compositions. Notably, individuals of East Asian descent exhibit inherent facial structures that predispose them to pronounced sagging around the oral commissures during aging. The emergence of distinct facial lines, such as the commissural line and the melolabial fold, contributes to the formation of marionette lines. This specific wrinkle pattern, resembling a marionette puppet's mouth contours, is influenced by various factors like bone resorption, gravitational forces, fat compartment variations, muscle compression, ligament tethering, and skin aging. Treatment strategies for marionette lines encompass diverse interventions, including filler injections, botulinum neurotoxin, surgeries targeting fat reduction, thread lifting, and volumizing fillers. These approaches aim to address the underlying causes and mitigate the appearance of marionette lines. Botulinum neurotoxin injections, for instance, weaken specific facial muscles, reducing downward strain and aiding in tissue retraction. Anatomical considerations during procedures are crucial to avoid nerve or vascular damage. Delicate manipulation and precise entry points are essential to prevent inadvertent injuries, particularly concerning blood vessels like the facial artery and nerves like the mental nerve. Technical guidelines for procedures targeting marionette lines involve specific techniques like cogged thread reverse methods and volumizing thread placements. Attention to entry points, tissue engagement, and the direction of threads is crucial for effective treatment outcomes, minimizing complications, and ensuring patient safety.

Machine Learning-Based Interpretable Modeling for Subjective Emotional Dynamics Sensing Using Facial EMG.

Understanding the association between subjective emotional experiences and physiological signals is of practical and theoretical significance. Previous psychophysiological studies have shown a linear relationship between dynamic emotional valence experiences and facial electromyography (EMG) activities. However, whether and how subjective emotional valence dynamics relate to facial EMG changes nonlinearly remains unknown. To investigate this issue, we re-analyzed the data of two previous studies that measured dynamic valence ratings and facial EMG of the corrugator supercilii and zygomatic major muscles from 50 participants who viewed emotional film clips. We employed multilinear regression analyses and two nonlinear machine learning (ML) models: random forest and long short-term memory. In cross-validation, these ML models outperformed linear regression in terms of the mean squared error and correlation coefficient. Interpretation of the random forest model using the SHapley Additive exPlanation tool revealed nonlinear and interactive associations between several EMG features and subjective valence dynamics. These findings suggest that nonlinear ML models can better fit the relationship between subjective emotional valence dynamics and facial EMG than conventional linear models and highlight a nonlinear and complex relationship. The findings encourage emotion sensing using facial EMG and offer insight into the subjective-physiological association.

Treatment with synchronized radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation: Histologic analysis of human skin for changes in collagen and elastin fibers.

BACKGROUND: Skin's exposure to intrinsic and extrinsic factors causes age-related changes, leading to a lower amount of dermal collagen and elastin. AIM: This study investigated the effects of a novel facial muscle stimulation technology combined with radiofrequency (RF) heating on dermal collagen and elastin content for the treatment of facial wrinkles and skin laxity. METHODS: The active group subjects (N = 6) received four 20-min facial treatments with simultaneous RF and facial muscle stimulation, once weekly. The control subject (N = 1) was untreated. Skin biopsies obtained at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up were evaluated histologically to determine collagen and elastin fibers content. A group of independent aestheticians evaluated facial skin appearance and wrinkle severity. Patient safety was followed. RESULTS: In the active group, collagen-occupied area reached 11.91 ± 1.80 × 106 µm2 (+25.32%, p < 0.05) and 12.35 ± 1.44 × 105 µm2 (+30.00%, p < 0.05) at 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. Elastin-occupied area at 1-month and 3-month follow-up was 1.64 ± 0.14 × 105 µm2 (+67.23%, p < 0.05), and 1.99 ± 0.21 × 105 µm2 (+102.80%, p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in collagen and elastin fibers. Active group wrinkle scores decreased from 5 (moderate, class II) to 3 (mild, class I). All subjects, except the control, improved in appearance posttreatment. No adverse events or side effects occurred. CONCLUSION: Decreased dermal collagen and elastin levels contributes to a gradual decline in skin elasticity, leading to facial wrinkles and unfirm skin. Study results showed noticeable improvement in facial appearance and increased dermal collagen and elastin content subsequent to simultaneous, noninvasive RF, and facial muscle stimulation treatments.

Treatment Approaches for Altered Facial Expression: A Systematic Review in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neurological Diseases.

Background: Facial weakness is a key feature of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and may lead to altered facial expression and subsequent psychosocial impairment. There is no cure and supportive treatments focus on optimizing physical fitness and compensation of functional disabilities. Objective: We hypothesize that symptomatic treatment options and psychosocial interventions for other neurological diseases with altered facial expression could be applicable to FSHD. Therefore, the aim of this review is to collect symptomatic treatment approaches that target facial muscle function and psychosocial interventions in various neurological diseases with altered facial expression in order to discuss the applicability to FSHD. Methods: A systematic search was performed. Selected studies had to include FSHD, Bell's palsy, Moebius syndrome, myotonic dystrophy type 1, or Parkinson's disease and treatment options which target altered facial expression. Data was extracted for study and patients' characteristics, outcome assessment tools, treatment, outcome of facial expression and or psychosocial functioning. Results: Forty studies met the inclusion criteria, of which only three studies included FSHD patients exclusively. Most, twenty-one, studies were performed in patients with Bell's palsy. Studies included twelve different therapy categories and results were assessed with different outcomes measures. Conclusions: Five therapy categories were considered applicable to FSHD: training of (non-verbal) communication compensation strategies, speech training, physical therapy, conference attendance, and smile restoration surgery. Further research is needed to establish the effect of these therapies in FSHD. We recommend to include outcome measures in these studies that cover at least cosmetic, functional, communication, and quality of life domains.

SMAS repositioning technique utilizing cog thread: Anatomical perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Face-lifting surgeries were once common among individuals over 60 years old due to skin laxity, but recent trends favor thread lifting in this age group. Understanding dynamic changes in facial anatomy during postural shifts is essential. METHOD: Fresh cadaver studies have demonstrated the passage of threads through the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, confirming the efficacy of the technique. Proper insertion depth targeting SMAS repositioning, rather than superficial skin layers, is crucial. RESULT: The natural movement of tissues secured by thread (N-Cog and N-Fix, N-Finders Inc., Korea) insertion results in lifting effects. However, complications may arise if threads affect deeper facial muscles, leading to discomfort. Fibrous septa play a significant role in guiding thread placement, with different densities influencing thread maneuverability and tissue response during lifting. CONCLUSION: Procedures targeting SMAS repositioning using threads aim to maintain the new position of relocated tissues. Understanding structural variations in facial regions informs thread selection and placement. Aligning threads with tissue movement and the intended SMAS layer positioning is vital to prevent complications. Balancing thread insertion depth and tissue traction is critical for successful outcomes. Modern thread lifting techniques prioritize SMAS repositioning, enhancing lifting effects while ensuring procedure safety and efficacy.

Long-term results of orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction in primary cleft lip repair using the "basket-weave method".

The basket-weave method is an orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction method used in primary unilateral cleft lip repair. We compared the long-term results of the basket-weave method with those of a conventional method. For primary unilateral cleft lip repair, we compared the long-term results of 7 cases in which the orbicularis oris muscle was reconstructed by use of the basket-weave method, and of 7 cases in which the reconstruction was performed by use of the conventional method. The average postoperative follow-up period was 12 years and 7 months for the basket-weave method, and 11 years and 9 months for the conventional method. Using photographs of the front and elevation angle views, we evaluated the results as good if the philtrum ridge was formed on the fissure side and was almost symmetrical in height; as fair if the philtrum ridge was lower than the normal side; and as poor if the philtrum ridge had disappeared. For the basket-weave method, the results were good in 6 cases (85.7%), fair in 1 case (14.3%), and poor in 0 cases. For the conventional method, the results were good in 2 cases (28.6%), fair in 4 cases (57.1%), and poor in 1 case (14.3%). A significant difference was found between the 2 groups (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.0417). The philtrum ridge shape could be reconstructed by use of the basket-weave method, which gave better results in the long-term than did the conventional method for orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction in primary unilateral cleft lip repair.

Topographic mapping of the sensorimotor qualities of empathic reactivity: A psychophysiological study in people with spinal cord injuries.

The experience of empathy for pain is underpinned by sensorimotor and affective dimensions which, although interconnected, are at least in part behaviorally and neurally distinct. Spinal cord injuries (SCI) induce a massive, below-lesion level, sensorimotor body-brain disconnection. This condition may make it possible to test whether sensorimotor deprivation alters specific dimensions of empathic reactivity to observed pain. To explore this issue, we asked SCI people with paraplegia and healthy controls to observe videos of painful or neutral stimuli administered to a hand (intact) or a foot (deafferented). The stimuli were displayed by means of a virtual reality set-up and seen from a first person (1PP) or third person (3PP) visual perspective. A number of measures were recorded ranging from explicit behaviors like explicit verbal reports on the videos, to implicit measures of muscular activity (like EMG from the corrugator and zygomatic muscles that may represent a proxy of sensorimotor empathy) and of autonomic reactivity (like the electrodermal response and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia that may represent a general proxy of affective empathy). While no across group differences in explicit verbal reports about the pain stimuli were found, SCI people exhibited reduced facial muscle reactivity to the stimuli applied to the foot (but not the hand) seen from the 1PP. Tellingly, the corrugator activity correlated with SCI participants' neuropathic pain. There were no across group differences in autonomic reactivity suggesting that SCI lesions may affect sensorimotor dimensions connected to empathy for pain.

Facial electromyography during exercise using soft electrode array: A feasibility study.

The use of wearable sensors for real-time monitoring of exercise-related measures has been extensively studied in recent years (e.g., performance enhancement, optimizing athlete's training, and preventing injuries). Surface electromyography (sEMG), which measures muscle activity, is a widely researched technology in exercise monitoring. However, due to their cumbersome nature, traditional sEMG electrodes are limited. In particular, facial EMG (fEMG) studies in physical training have been limited, with some scarce evidence suggesting that fEMG may be used to monitor exercise-related measurements. Altogether, sEMG recordings from facial muscles in the context of exercise have been examined relatively inadequately. In this feasibility study, we assessed the ability of a new wearable sEMG technology to measure facial muscle activity during exercise. Six young, healthy, and recreationally active participants (5 females), performed an incremental cycling exercise test until exhaustion, while facial sEMG and vastus lateralis (VL) EMG were measured. Facial sEMG signals from both natural expressions and voluntary smiles were successfully recorded. Stable recordings and high-resolution facial muscle activity mapping were achieved during different exercise intensities until exhaustion. Strong correlations were found between VL and multiple facial muscles' activity during voluntary smiles during exercise, with statistically significant coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.95 (p<0.05). This study demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring facial muscle activity during exercise, with potential implications for sports medicine and exercise physiology, particularly in monitoring exercise intensity and fatigue.