The Science Behind the Neck-Up Strength™ System
Peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that targeted facial and oral exercise improves visible signs of aging and provides so many functional health benefits.
The Neck-Up Strength System builds on this foundation, integrating principles of resistance training, airway health, and muscle physiology.
The system is validated by research across fields including dermatology, dentistry, sleep medicine, gastroenterology, otolaryngology (ENT), pulmonology, speech and language pathology, physical therapy, and neurology.
What the Research Shows
- Facial exercise improves visible aging — lifting cheeks, reducing sagging, and restoring youthful fullness.
- Oral and airway training supports better breathing — improving airflow, reducing snoring, and enhancing sleep quality.
- Resistance training boosts skin health — increasing elasticity, collagen production, and dermal thickness.
- Strengthening orofacial muscles restores function — improving jaw comfort, swallowing, and speech clarity.
- Evidence links facial exercise to mental well-being — regulating mood, reducing anxiety, and boosting daily energy.
Relevant Peer-Reviewed Research Studies
Dermatology & Visible Aging
Alam M, Walter AJ, Geisler A, et al. Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):365-367.
Swift A, Liew S, Weinkle S, Garcia JK, Silberberg MB. The Facial Aging Process From the "Inside Out." Aesthet Surg J. 2021;41(10):1107-1119.
Fujita K, et al. Resistance training increases dermal thickness, extracellular matrix gene expression, and skin elasticity compared with aerobic training. Sci Rep. 2023;13:10520.
Hetnar A, et al. The Impact of Physical Activity on Skin Health and Skin Aging. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025;22(2):3912.
D'souza R, Kini A, D'souza H, Shetty N, Shetty O. Enhancing facial aesthetics with muscle retraining exercises — a review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(8):ZE09-11.
Ezure T. Perception gap of aged facial appearance; self-perception is younger than actual status due to angle of viewing. Skin Res Technol. 2023;29(7):e13398.
Muscle Physiology & Strength
Clark BC, Taylor JL. Age-related changes in motor cortical properties and voluntary activation of skeletal muscle. Curr Aging Sci. 2011;4(3):192-9.
Oral & Speech Function
Clark HM, Solomon NP. Age and sex differences in orofacial strength. Dysphagia. 2012;27(1):2-9.
Clark HM, O'Brien K, Calleja A, Corrie SN. Effects of directional exercise on lingual strength. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2009;52(4):1034-47.
Khan AJ, Szczepura A, Palmer S, Bark C, Neville C, Thomson D, Martin H, Nduka C. Physical therapy for facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy): An updated and extended systematic review of the evidence for facial exercise therapy. Clin Rehabil. 2022;36(11):1424-1449.
Sleep & Airway Health
Guimarães KC, Drager LF, Genta PR, Marcondes BF, Lorenzi-Filho G. Effects of oropharyngeal exercises on patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2009;179(10):962-6.
Mental Health & Well-Being
Okamoto R, Manabe T, Mizukami K. Effects of Facial Muscles Exercise on Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(22):12216.
The Neck-Up Strength System is grounded in this growing body of evidence.
By applying the same principles of strength training above the neck, the system delivers natural results you can see and feel — all backed by science.