Study of training for improving lip incompetence

PurposeWe have been using myofunctional therapy in orthodontic treatment to improve orofacial disorders. Our previous study showed that lip training increased orbicularis oris muscle strength and endurance. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hypoxic lip training for improving lip incompetence.Subjects and methods: Twenty healthy subjects (10 males and 10 females, 23.6 ± 2.3 years old) with lip incompetence participated in this study. We recorded the sealed lip ratio calculated by using the formula “(lip-sealing time/total recorded time) × 100″ during relaxation (listening to soothing music) and during concentration (performing a mathematical calculation). Then the subjects performed a standardized hypoxic lip training (5 repetitive contractions with 80% of maximum tensile strength of the orbicularis oris muscle) with a traction plate. Training was repeated daily for 4 weeks. To estimate training effects, the sealed lip ratios during relaxation and concentration were recorded before training (T1), at 2 weeks (T2) and 4 weeks (T3) after the start of training, and at 4 weeks (T4) and 8 weeks (T5) after the end of training.ResultsThe sealed lip ratios in both the relaxation and concentration conditions significantly (p < 0.003 after Bonferroni correction) increased during the training period. Although the sealed lip ratios slightly decreased during the post-training period, they were not significantly different from those at T3.ConclusionsHypoxic lip training increases the sealed lip ratio and is thus effective for improving lip incompetence. Sealed lip ratios were maintained after 8 weeks of training.