Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious patients.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
- A+++2016
Collagen Matrix Density Drives the Metabolic Shift in Breast Cancer Cells
Brett A Morris, Brian Burkel, Suzanne M Ponik, Jing Fan, John S Condeelis, Julio A Aguirre-Ghiso, James Castracane, Joh…This study used a 3D in vitro model to investigate how the density of the collagen matrix influences the metabolism of breast cancer cells. The researchers observed that a high-density extracellular matrix drives a meta…
Breast cancer; Collagen; Matrix density; Metabolism - A+++2016
Manual evaluation of the diaphragm muscle
Bruno Bordoni, F Marelli, B Morabito, B SacconiThe diaphragm is a vital muscle for breathing, but it also plays a key role in posture, organ function, and even emotional states. Despite its importance, there is little scientific literature on how to manually assess…
ChiropracticManual Therapydiaphragmphysiotherapyosteopathic evaluation - A+++2016
Efficacy of an orally administered combination of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, curcumin and quercetin for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women
M Torella, F Del Deo, A Grimaldi, S A Iervolino, M Pezzella, C Tammaro, P Gallo, C Rappa, P De Franciscis, N ColacurciThis prospective study evaluated whether an oral supplement containing hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, curcumin, and quercetin could prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in postmenopausal women. Resea…
Curcumin; Estrogen; Glycosaminoglycans; Quercetin; Urinary tract infections - A+++2016
Understanding Mechanobiology: Physical Therapists as a Force in Mechanotherapy and Musculoskeletal Regenerative Rehabilitation
William R Thompson, Alexander Scott, M Terry Loghmani, Samuel R Ward, Stuart J WardenThis perspective article explores the field of mechanobiology and how physical therapists use mechanical forces to promote tissue healing. It explains that cells in our muscles, bones, and tendons respond to physical st…
RehabilitationTherapymechantransduction - A+++2016
Ultrasound Evaluation of the Combined Effects of Thoracolumbar Fascia Injury and Movement Restriction in a Porcine Model
James H Bishop, James R Fox, Rhonda Maple, Caitlin Loretan, Gary J Badger, Sharon M Henry, Margaret A Vizzard, Helene M…This animal study used pigs to investigate how back fascia responds to injury and restricted movement. Researchers created a small injury in the thoracolumbar fascia and also limited movement in some of the pigs for eig…
chronic Low Back Painshear strainimmobilizationfascia mobilitythoracolumbar fascia thickness - A+++2016
Clinical applications of vibration therapy in orthopaedic practice
Simone Cerciello, Silvio Rossi, Enrico Vison, Katia Corona, Francesco OlivaThis literature review examines the use of vibration therapy in orthopedic practice. Researchers analyzed 71 studies to understand its effects on bone, muscles, and tendons. The review notes that inconsistencies in appl…
RehabilitationAthletesOsteoporosisphysical therapy modalitieselectric stimulation therapy - A+++2016
Effects of whole body vibration exercises on bone mineral density of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis without medications: novel findings and literature review
C F Dionello, D Sá-Caputo, H Vfs Pereira, C R Sousa-Gonçalves, A I Maiworm, D S Morel, E Moreira-Marconi, L L Paineiras…This systematic review examines the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are not taking medication. By analyzing twelve studies, researche…
postmenopausbone densitywhole body vibrationvibration; osteoporosis - A+++2016
A Diet Mimicking Fasting Promotes Regeneration and Reduces Autoimmunity and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
In Young Choi, Laura Piccio, Patra Childress, Bryan Bollman, Arko Ghosh, Sebastian Brandhorst, Jorge Suarez, Andreas Mi…This study investigates how a periodic fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) affects symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) using mouse models and preliminary human trials. In animal models, the diet reduced inflammation and promot…
Fasting-mimicking diet; Intermittent fasting; Time-restricted eating; autoimmunity; multiple sclerosis - A+++2016
A long-distance fluid transport pathway within fibrous connective tissues in patients with ankle edema
Hongyi Li, Chongqing Yang, Kuiyuan Lu, Liyang Zhang, Jiefu Yang, Fang Wang, Dongge Liu, Di Cui, Mingjun Sun, Jianxin Pa…This anatomical study investigated how fluid might drain from swollen ankles. Researchers injected a fluorescent dye into the skin of four lower legs scheduled for amputation to trace fluid movement. They observed that…
interstitial fluidConnective tissuesvascular circulations - A+++2016
Fascial Manipulation® for chronic aspecific low back pain: a single blinded randomized controlledtrial.
Mirco Branchini, Francesca Lopopolo, Ernesto Andreoli, Ivano Loreti, Aurélie M Marchand, Antonio SteccoThis randomized controlled trial compared Fascial Manipulation® combined with standard physiotherapy to physiotherapy alone for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The group receiving Fascial Manipulation®…
hyaluronanBack PainFascial manipulation - A+++2016
Resveratrol attenuated estrogen-deficient-induced cardiac dysfunction: role of AMPK, SIRT1, and mitochondrial function
Zijun Meng, Hongjiang Jing, Lu Gan, Hua Li, Bingde LuoThis animal study investigated how resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red grapes, affects cardiac function in estrogen-deficient mice. Researchers found that resveratrol supplementation significantly improved heart co…
AMPK; Resveratrol; SIRT1; heart; ischemia; mitochondrion - A+++2016
Nutraceutical supplement in the management of tendinopathies: a systematic review
Federico Fusini, Salvatore Bisicchia, Carlo Bottegoni, Antonio Gigante, Fabio Zanchini, Alberto BusilacchiThis systematic review examines the effects of various nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin C, and curcumin, in managing tendon disorders. While preclinical research on cells and animals shows promi…
arginine alpha-keto-glutarate; ascorbate; boswellic acid; curcumin; oral supplement; tendon disorder - A+++2015
Optimal Vitamin D Supplementation Levels for Cardiovascular Disease Protection
Sebastian T Lugg, Phillip A Howells, David R ThickettThis narrative review explores the growing body of evidence linking vitamin D to cardiovascular health. While traditionally associated with bone health, data suggests vitamin D status may be a marker for, and possibly a…
vitamin DCardiovascular disease25-hydroxyvitamin D3 - A+++2015
Swing phase kinematics of horses trotting over poles
S Brown, N C Stubbs, L J Kaiser, M Lavagnino, H M ClaytonThis study investigated how horses are affected by trotting over poles, a common therapeutic exercise used to restore joint range of motion. Researchers aimed to determine if lifting the limbs higher to clear obstacles…
coordination; horse; physiotherapy; rehabilitation - A+++2015
Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses
Nathan Wiggers, Sandra L P Nauwelaerts, Sarah Jane Hobbs, Sophie Bool, Claudia F Wolschrijn, Willem BackThis study investigated how horses with uneven forefeet, where the angle differs between left and right, move at a trot. Researchers found that the flatter foot experiences higher loading, including greater braking forc…
asymmetryriding horsesuneven feethoof angle - A+++2015
Essential role for autophagy in life span extension
Frank Madeo, Andreas Zimmermann, Maria Chiara Maiuri, Guido KroemerThis narrative review explores the essential role of autophagy, a cellular recycling process that breaks down and removes damaged components to maintain health. The authors explain how interventions like caloric restric…
autophagystarvation - A+++2015
Multi-frequency bioimpedance and myofascial release therapy: An equine “AtlasOrange1” validation study
Vibeke Sødring Elbrønd, Marta Julia Krasnodebska, Adrian HarrisonThis study on horses explored whether a device using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (mf-BIA) could objectively measure myofascial tension. Researchers compared the device's readings with a veterinarian's manual a…
myofasciamuscle tensionmf-BIAmechanical physiothera - A+++2015
Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatics
Antoine Louveau, Igor Smirnov, Timothy J Keyes, Jacob D Eccles, Sherin J Rouhani, J David Peske, Noel C Derecki, David…The central nervous system (CNS) was long thought to lack a conventional lymphatic drainage system. In this study, however, researchers discovered functional lymphatic vessels within the meninges, the membranes surround…
lymphatic vesselsCentral nervous system - A+++2015
The equine neck and its function during movement and locomotion
Rebeka R Zsoldos, Theresia F LickaThis study measured muscle activity in the equine forelimb during walking, trotting, and cantering. The researchers found that most muscles activate just before hoof-strike to stabilize the limb, while passive structure…
Ageing; Cervical vertebral column; Equine neck muscles; Locomotion of horses - A+++2015
Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review
M-N Chen, C-C Lin, C-F LiuThis systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials examined the effectiveness of plant-based estrogens, known as phytoestrogens, for relieving menopausal symptoms. The findings suggest that phyt…
CLIMACTERIC; ESTROGEN; HOT FLUSH; ISOFLAVONE; LIGNAN; MENOPAUSE; META-ANALYSIS. - A+++2014
Telocytes revisited
Sanda M Cretoiu, Laurentiu M PopescuThis narrative review summarizes findings on telocytes, a relatively new type of cell found in the interstitial, or connective, tissue of many organs. These cells are defined by their small bodies and extremely long, th…
exosomes/ectosomes; intercellular signaling; regenerative medicine; telocytes; telopodes - A+++2014
The active role of vitamin C in mammalian iron metabolism: much more than just enhanced iron absorption!
Darius J R Lane, Des R RichardsonThis review explores how vitamin C (ascorbate) plays a sophisticated role in mammalian iron metabolism beyond simply enhancing absorption in the gut. Evidence suggests that vitamin C regulates how cells take up, store,…
Ascorbate; Dcytb; Ferritin; Free radicals; HIF; IRP; Iron; Transferrin; Vitamin C - A+++2014
Case study: Could ultrasound and elastography visualized densified areas inside the deep fascia?
Carla Stecco fasciacyteIn this case study, researchers used ultrasound and elastography to visualize the deep fascia of a 40-year-old male with calf pain. The imaging techniques allowed them to see changes in the fascia's gliding, echogenicit…
Fascia; Myofascial pain; Fascial manipulation; Manual therapy; Densification; Gliding; Sliding system - A+++2013
Vitamin C Is an Essential Factor on the Anti-viral Immune Responses through the Production of Interferon-α/β at the Initial Stage of Influenza A Virus (H3N2) Infection
Yejin Kim, Hyemin Kim, Seyeon Bae, Jiwon Choi, Sun Young Lim, Naeun Lee, Joo Myung Kong, Young-il Hwang, Jae Seung Kang…This animal study investigated how vitamin C affects the immune response to influenza A virus (H3N2). Researchers used mice that, like humans, cannot synthesize their own vitamin C. When these mice were made vitamin C-d…
immune responseVitamin Cantiviralinfluenza Ainterferon alfa/beta - A+++2013
The 17-β-oestradiol inhibits osteoclast activity by increasing the cannabinoid CB2 receptor expression
Francesca Rossi, Giulia Bellini, Livio Luongo, Silvia Mancusi, Marco Torella, Chiara Tortora, Iolanda Manzo, Francesca…This in vitro study investigated how 17-β-oestradiol (estrogen) affects osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. The researchers found that estrogen inhibits the formation and activity of these cells by i…
cannabinoidsosteoporosis - A+++2012
Total antioxidant capacity of diet and risk of stroke: a population-based prospective cohort of women
Susanne Rautiainen, Susanna Larsson, Jarmo Virtamo, Alicja WolkThis Swedish population-based study examined the relationship between the total antioxidant capacity of the diet and stroke risk in over 36,000 women. By measuring the combined effect of all antioxidants in food rather…
Antioxidantsstroke - A+++2012
Brain structure and joint hypermobility: relevance to the expression of psychiatric symptoms
Jessica A Eccles, Felix D C Beacher, Marcus A Gray, Catherine L Jones, Ludovico Minati, Neil A Harrison, Hugo D Critchl…This study investigated the relationship between joint hypermobility and brain structure in 72 healthy volunteers. Using structural brain scans, researchers found that the volume of the amygdala, a brain region importan…
Fibromyalgiaproprioceptionhypermobilitypsychiatric symptomsbrain structure - A+++2012
Fascia as a body-wide communication system
James L OschmanThis abstract proposes that fascia acts as a body-wide communication system. The author draws an analogy to single-celled organisms, like a paramecium, which can perform complex functions without a nervous system by rel…
Fascia - A+++2010
Electrical impedance of acupuncture meridians: the relevance of subcutaneous collagenous bands
Andrew C Ahn, Min Park, Jessica R Shaw, Claire A McManus, Ted J Kaptchuk, Helene M LangevinThis study investigated whether acupuncture meridians are characterized by lower electrical impedance and if this is linked to subcutaneous connective tissue. Researchers measured three meridians in 28 healthy subjects…
Acupuncture - A+++2010
Hindlimb response to tactile stimulation of the pastern and coronet
H M Clayton, A D White, L J Kaiser, S Nauwelaerts, M Lavagnino, N C StubbsThis study investigated how lightweight tactile stimulators placed around horses' hind pasterns affect their movement patterns at a trot. Researchers found that the stimulation caused the horses to lift their hooves sig…
Rehabilitationphysiotherapytactile stimulationjoint motion - A+++2008
Correlation Between Fluctuations in Human Ultra-weak Photon Emission and EEG Alpha Rhythm
Roeland Van Wijk, Saskia Bosman, John Ackerman, Eduard P A Van WijkThis study investigated the relationship between ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) from the skin and brain activity measured via EEG. Researchers recorded light emission from the hand while simultaneously monitoring brai…
biophotonsUltra-weak photon emissionHumanAlpha suppressionEEG - A+++2007
Vitamin D Deficiency
Michael F HolickThis 2007 publication by Michael F. Holick addresses the topic of vitamin D deficiency. As the full text has not yet been analyzed, this summary is based on the title alone. Further details about the specific findings a…
vitamin D25-hydroxyvitamin D3 - A+++2007
Can Electrons Act as Antioxidants? A Review and Commentary
James OschmanThis narrative review explores the hypothesis that direct physical contact with the earth, known as "earthing" or "grounding," can provide health benefits. The author suggests that modern lifestyles, with insulated foot…
earthinggroundingantioxidantsfree radicals - A+++2007
A driving force for change: interstitial flow as a morphoregulator
Joseph M Rutkowski, Melody A SwartzThis narrative review explores how the slow movement of fluid through the extracellular matrix, known as interstitial flow, acts as a crucial regulator of cell behavior and tissue structure. Driven by pressure gradients…
Morphologyinterstitial flow - A+++2006
Mechanisms of interstitial flow-induced remodeling of fibroblast-collagen cultures
Chee Ping Ng, Melody A SwartzThis study investigates how the movement of fluid through tissues, known as interstitial flow, influences the organization of connective tissue cells and collagen. Researchers found that slow fluid movement causes colla…
extracellular matrixRemodeling - A+++2006
The key to left-right asymmetry
Clifford J TabinThis summary explores how vertebrates establish left-right asymmetry during embryonic development. Research indicates that cilia are essential components in breaking initial symmetry, supported by an asymmetric signalin…
EmbryologySignaling - A+++2005
Interstitial fluid flow induces myofibroblast differentiation and collagen alignment in vitro
Chee Ping Ng, Boris Hinz, Melody A SwartzThis in vitro study examines how the movement of fluid through tissues, known as interstitial flow, influences connective tissue cells. The researchers found that even low levels of flow, similar to what occurs during s…
fluid flow - A+++1998
The Architecture of Life
Donald E IngberAs this is a title-only entry, the full text has not yet been reviewed. The title, "The Architecture of Life," suggests a focus on the structural principles governing biological systems, possibly involving concepts like…
Tensegritycytoskeleton - A+++1984
Structure and Properties of Ground Substances
James OschmanThis 1984 review outlines the structure of the body's 'ground substance,' the matrix found both within and between our cells. The author describes how this substance is composed of different biopolymers in the extracell…
extracellular matrixcytoskeletonground substansaminoglycans