FaReWell Depression – a randomized controlled trial of a physiotherapeutic program for the facial rehabilitation of wellbeing in depression - Takeaways - MDSpire

FaReWell Depression – a randomized controlled trial of a physiotherapeutic program for the facial rehabilitation of wellbeing in depression

  • By

  • M. Axel Wollmer

  • Hannah Lemke

  • Patricia Waldvogel

  • Insa Neumann

  • Kayleigh Keller

  • Veronika Nölle

  • Nathalie Dittmer

  • Maksim Lucic

  • Barbara Walss

  • Tillmann H.C. Krüger

  • Josef Hättenschwiler

  • May 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The FaReWell program aims to improve depression by relaxing and strengthening facial muscles associated with emotional expression.

  • 2

    A randomized controlled trial with 49 patients showed significant reduction in depression severity in the intervention group compared to controls.

  • 3

    The primary outcome measured was the change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores over six weeks.

  • 4

    Secondary outcomes, including anhedonia and facial self-perception, did not show significant differences between groups.

  • 5

    The findings suggest that facial physiotherapy may be a novel, non-pharmacological approach to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Original Source(s)

FaReWell Depression – a randomized controlled trial of a physiotherapeutic program for the facial rehabilitation of wellbeing in depression

  • by M. Axel Wollmer, Hannah Lemke, Patricia Waldvogel, Insa Neumann, Kayleigh Keller, Veronika Nölle, Nathalie Dittmer, Maksim Lucic, Barbara Walss, Tillmann H.C. Krüger, Josef Hättenschwiler

  • May 25, 2026

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