Innovative App Leverages Music for Facial Muscle Rehabilitation Post-Stroke

Every year, around 15 million individuals experience a stroke, many of whom face the challenge of facial paralysis due to weakened facial muscles. This condition significantly diminishes their ability to communicate emotions through facial expressions and affects their speech capabilities.

To address this issue, the JYMMiN Face Active application has been developed, offering a unique approach that combines facial muscle training with music. The app aims to stimulate the emotional motor nervous system, facilitating improved muscle activation and providing new hope for patients.

JYMMiN Face Active is designed for smartphones and tablets, utilizing the device's camera to track facial movements. Users can listen to music through headphones, with the melodies being influenced by their facial expressions, creating an interactive and enjoyable rehabilitation experience.

The human face consists of approximately 20 facial muscles, which enable various expressions and movements in the forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth. By engaging these muscles, users can play different instruments within the app, resulting in positive emotional feedback that enhances motivation. This emotional connection is essential for accelerating the rehabilitation process, as supported by studies conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences.

Tom Fritz, a leading researcher at the Max Planck Institute and co-founder of JYMMiN, emphasized the app's potential in transforming the rehabilitation landscape for neurological patients. He noted that the integration of music into therapy offers a refreshing and engaging alternative to traditional rehabilitation methods, fostering a more enjoyable experience for users.

The app is suitable for independent use by patients as well as a complementary tool during therapy sessions. It enables therapists to monitor progress through recorded training sessions, optimizing the rehabilitation process. JYMMiN Face Active is currently being utilized effectively in various German clinics, including the Bennewitz Neurological Rehabilitation Center near Leipzig and a prominent facility in Schleswig-Holstein.

According to Dieter Link, Senior Patent and Licensing Manager at Max Planck Innovation, the app represents a significant step in translating scientific research into practical applications for patients. He expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact this technology can have on individuals with facial paralysis worldwide, highlighting the importance of technology transfer in making scientific advancements accessible to those in need.

The JYMMiN Face Active app will be showcased at the Expo 2025 world exhibition in Osaka, Japan, where it will be recognized as a notable innovation in medical technology. Tom Fritz will present the app at the German Pavilion on May 18, providing insight into its development and potential benefits.

The Expo, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is anticipated to attract around 28 million visitors eager to learn about the latest advancements in technology and healthcare.

The JYMMiN Face Active app is now available for use by both patients and therapists, with further details about its applications, scientific foundation, and current partnerships with clinics accessible on the official website.