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.
The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of craniosacral therapy on blood levels of the stress hormones cortisol and CRH in 57 male firefighter cadets. Participants were assigned to either a treatment grou…
What's old is new again: The anatomical studies of Franklin P. Mall and the fascial-interstitial spaces
Franklin Mall was a pioneering anatomist at the turn of the 19th century whose work is being rediscovered in light of modern fascia research. He studied under Wilhelm His and Carl Ludwig, learning to integrate anatomy w…
Functional organization of extracellular hyaluronan, CD44 and RHAMM
In this comprehensive review, the authors explore how hyaluronan (HA) and its receptors, CD44 and RHAMM, organize the space immediately surrounding cells. In healthy tissue, these components maintain a stable environmen…
The Osteopath's Imprint: Osteopathic Medicine Under the Nanoscopic Lens
This theoretical article explores the cellular effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) from a new perspective. Traditionally, the benefits of OMT are explained through neurological, vascular, and other physi…
Pain quality patterns in delayed onset muscle soreness of the lower back suggest sensitization of fascia rather than muscle aferents: a secondary analysis study
This study investigated whether delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the lower back originates from the muscles or the surrounding connective tissue (fascia). Researchers had participants perform fatiguing back exerc…
Change in gliding properties of the iliotibial tract in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
This study used ultrasonography to examine the gliding properties of the iliotibial tract (ITT) in individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Researchers found that the shear strain, which represents ho…
The Cognitive and Emotional Aspect in Fibromyalgia: The Importance of the Orofacial Sphere
This narrative review explores the link between fibromyalgia and issues in the orofacial region, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontitis. The authors suggest that oral inflammation may contribu…
The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review
This narrative review explores the deep fascia, a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The researchers identified five common conditions associated with fascia…
Mechanosensing by Piezo1 and its implications for physiology and various pathologies
This narrative review explores Piezo1, a specialized ion channel that senses mechanical pressure and converts it into biological signals within the body. These channels are widely distributed in tissues such as blood ve…
Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review
This narrative review examines how lifestyle factors influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research suggests that smoking, an unhealthy diet, and obesity increase the risk of developing…
Interdisciplinarity and mechanobiology
Mechanobiology is an interdisciplinary field that studies how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. In this article, pioneers Donald Ingber and Dino Di Carlo discuss how physical forces infl…
Piezo1 Channels as Force Sensors in Mechanical Force-Related Chronic Inflammation
This narrative review explores the role of Piezo1 ion channels as mechanical sensors that link physical force to chronic inflammation. Piezo1 channels open in response to stimuli like pressure, stretch, and tissue stiff…
Differential Sensitization of Muscle versus Fascia in Individuals with Low Back Pain
This clinical study investigated pain sensitivity in both muscle and deep fascia among individuals with low back pain compared to healthy controls. Using ultrasound-guided needling of the quadratus lumborum muscle and i…
Blood supply to the superficial fascia of the abdomen:An anatomical study
This anatomical study investigated the blood supply to Scarpa's fascia, the superficial fascia of the abdominal wall, using tissue samples from seven volunteers. The researchers demonstrated that this fascia is a highly…
Innervation of human superficial fascia
This study examined the superficial fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue within the skin's fat layer, to understand its nerve supply. Researchers found that this tissue is densely packed with nerves, particularly a…
The effect of low-intensity whole-body vibration with or without high-intensity resistance and impact training on risk factors for proximal femur fragility fracture in postmenopausal women with low bone mass: study protocol for the VIBMOR randomized controlled trial
This document outlines the plan for a clinical trial investigating non-drug approaches for low bone mass in postmenopausal women. The study will compare the effects of low-intensity whole-body vibration, high-intensity…
Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression
This literature review examines the risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD), a condition affecting 10–15% of new mothers globally. The research suggests that factors such as a history of psychiatric illness, lack o…
Evidence of Renin-Angiotensin System Receptors in Deep Fascia: A Role in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Fibrogenesis?
This study investigated the presence of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in the deep fascia, specifically the thoracolumbar fascia of the lower back. Researchers found that receptors for angiotensin II, particu…
Physical Agent Modalities in Early Osteoarthritis: A Scoping Review
This scoping review investigated the role of physical agent modalities in treating early osteoarthritis (EOA). Researchers searched for studies on treatments like TENS, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasoun…
Fascia The Universal Singularity Of Biotensegrity The Dark Matter Of Our Inner Cosmos
This theoretical paper argues that fascia is the body's fundamental and unifying system, analogous to dark matter in the cosmos. The author suggests this continuity is evident from embryology, where the body develops as…
Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome-Aetiology and Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review
This case report examined the effectiveness of Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) in treating a 23-year-old woman with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and postural imbalances. By addressing muscle chains and spinal alig…
Fascia and Tensegrity The Quintessence of a Unified Systems Conception
This theoretical paper proposes a new way of viewing the human body, moving beyond the traditional mechanical model of parts and levers. The author suggests the body is better understood as a unified system based on ten…
Beyond bones: The relevance of variants of connective tissue (hypermobility) to fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and controversies surrounding diagnostic classification: an observational study
This observational study investigated the link between hypermobility, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS. Researchers found a significant overlap in symptoms between fibromyalgia and ME/CFS in the patient group. A large majority…
Altering Dynamics of Autonomic Processing Therapy (ADAPT) trial: a novel, targeted treatment for reducing anxiety in joint hypermobility
This paper describes the protocol for a clinical trial investigating a new therapy for anxiety in people with joint hypermobility. The proposed therapy, called ADAPT, combines bio-behavioral training with cognitive appr…
Is "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness" a False Friend? The Potential Implication of the Fascial Connective Tissue in Post-Exercise Discomfort
This narrative review explores the theory that delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) may originate in the connective tissue (fascia) rather than the muscle fibers themselves. While traditional explanations like lactic ac…
Therapeutic potential of astaxanthin and superoxide dismutase in Alzheimer's disease
This narrative review explores how the combination of astaxanthin and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) may help protect the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress is a key factor in the disease's progressio…
Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 Activated by Matrix Stiffness Regulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence and Apoptosis in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
This study investigates how the mechanical environment of the intervertebral disc influences cellular health during disc degeneration. Researchers found that as the central part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) becomes st…
Fascial or Muscle Stretching? A Narrative Review
In this narrative review, the authors explore what actually happens in the body during stretching. While it's traditionally been assumed that stretching acts on muscles and tendons, this analysis of tissue mechanics sug…
Decoding the silent walk of COVID-19: Halting its spread using old bullets
This 2021 review article explores the strategy of using existing drugs to combat the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus. The authors describe how SARS-CoV-2 affects multiple organ systems, creating a significant therapeut…
Simulation and Modeling of Telocytes Behavior in Signaling and Intercellular Communication Processes
Telocytes are a unique type of interstitial cell with long extensions that form networks, thought to be involved in local tissue equilibrium and regeneration. In this study, researchers used computer simulation and math…
The Efficacy of Stretching Exercises on Arterial Stiffness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials
This meta-analysis reviewed eight studies involving 213 middle-aged and older adults to see how stretching affects arterial stiffness. The combined results suggest that regular stretching can significantly reduce arteri…
Mesothelial Cells Covering the Surface of Primo Vascular System Tissue
In this study on rats, researchers investigated the cells on the outer surface of the primo vascular system (PVS), a proposed circulatory network. Using various microscopy and staining techniques, they identified these…
The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology
This literature review explores how cannabinoids, including both plant-derived and endogenous versions, may affect the skin through the endocannabinoid system. Research suggests that the skin possesses its own receptors…
Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections
In this review, the authors state that optimal nutritional status is crucial for a well-functioning immune system and protection against viral infections. They highlight that many vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folate),…
Sensitivity of the Fasciae to the Endocannabinoid System: Production of Hyaluronan-Rich Vesicles and Potential Peripheral Effects of Cannabinoids in Fascial Tissue
This laboratory study investigated how fascial cells respond to cannabinoids. Researchers isolated fibroblast cells from human fascia lata and treated them with a substance that activates cannabinoid receptor 2. The tre…
Effect of Low-Intensity Vibration on Bone Strength, Microstructure, and Adiposity in Pre-Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated if daily low-intensity vibration could improve bone health in postmenopausal women with pre-osteoporosis. For one year, one group used a vibrating platform for 10 m…
Ultrasound imaging of a scar on the knee: Sonopalpation for fascia and subcutaneous tissues
Persistent pain from surgical or trauma-related scars is a common and sometimes debilitating problem. In this article, the authors describe the use of ultrasound imaging to provide an objective diagnosis for debilitatin…
Mechanical sensing protein PIEZO1 regulates bone homeostasis via osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk
This study using mouse models investigates how the protein PIEZO1 acts as a mechanical sensor in the skeleton to regulate bone mass. Researchers found that a deficiency of PIEZO1 in bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) lead…
Applicability of Low-intensity Vibrations as a Regulatory Factor on Stem and Progenitor Cell Populations
This narrative review explores how mechanical forces, specifically low-intensity vibrations, can influence stem cells. While high-impact activities like running are known to build tissue, they are not suitable for every…
Telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells: Two immunophenotypically distinct and spatially close cell entities
Researchers have been working to clarify the identity of two cell types, telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells, which can sometimes look similar in tissue samples. This study used a specific staining technique to lo…
Embryology of the Fascial System
This review article explores how the fascial system develops in the human embryo, highlighting its role as a continuous network that integrates all body systems. The author describes how different types of fascia—includ…
Extracellular Vesicles Released From Articular Chondrocytes Play a Major Role in Cell-Cell Communication
This narrative review examines the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as crucial mediators in cell-to-cell communication. EVs are small, lipid-enclosed particles that transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material t…
Integrating mental imagery and fascial tissue: A conceptualization for research into movement and cognition
This narrative review explores the connection between mental imagery and fascial tissue, a field that has historically focused on muscles and the nervous system. The authors propose that specific mental visualizations d…
Biotensegrity: What is the big deal?
Details for this entry have not yet been summarized. The title, "Biotensegrity: What is the big deal?", suggests it is an explanatory or editorial piece about the concept of biotensegrity. Biotensegrity is a model that…
Is the extent of obstetric anal sphincter injury correlated with the severity of fecal incontinence in the long term?
This retrospective study investigated the relationship between the extent of obstetric anal sphincter injury and the severity of long-term fecal incontinence (FI). Researchers analyzed data from 250 women with a mean ag…
What is the Intelligent Tissue !eory and How Does it Relate to Acupuncture?
This article introduces the "intelligent tissue theory," which proposes that organ information is transmitted via electromagnetic waves and interpreted by bodily tissues at specific meridians. The author suggests that t…
Fascia and soft tissues innervation in the human hip and their possible role in post-surgical pain
Researchers investigated the nerve supply to various soft tissues in the human hip to better understand persistent pain after hip replacement surgery. Analyzing tissue samples from patients and cadavers, they measured t…
Therapeutic importance of hydrogen sulfide in age-associated neurodegenerative diseases
This narrative review explores the potential of molecular hydrogen (H2) as a preventive and therapeutic medical gas for various health conditions. H2 acts as a selective antioxidant, specifically targeting the most harm…
Higher Circulating Cortisol in the Follicular vs. Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis investigated how levels of the stress hormone cortisol vary across the menstrual cycle in healthy women. By synthesizing data from multiple high-quality studies, researchers found that cortisol levels…
Local low-intensity vibration improves healing of muscle injury in mice
In this animal study, researchers investigated how local low-intensity vibration (LIV) affects muscle injury healing in mice. After lacerating the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle in mice, one group received daily vibration…
The potential of cannabidiol in the COVID-19 pandemic
This scientific hypothesis explores the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a supportive treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors suggest that CBD may down-regulate the receptors the virus uses for cellular ent…
Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19
This review discusses the crucial role of nutrition in supporting the immune system's ability to fight infections. A well-functioning immune response requires a steady supply of energy and specific nutrients derived fro…
The Structure and Role of Intramuscular Connective Tissue in Muscle Function
This narrative review analyzes the microscopic structure of intramuscular connective tissue—endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium—and its role in muscle function. Rather than acting simply as a container, this connectiv…
Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle Strength and Power: An Attempt to Clarify Previous Caveats
This narrative review examines how static stretching affects subsequent strength and power. While static stretching was once thought to hinder performance, recent evidence suggests the duration of the stretch is the cri…
Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether intravenous vitamin C could help patients with sepsis and severe acute respiratory failure. Researchers gave 167 patients either a high-dose vitamin C infusion or a…
Effects of season long participation on ACL volume in female intercollegiate soccer athletes
This study investigated how a competitive season affects the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female collegiate soccer players. Researchers used MRI scans to measure ACL volume in 17 athletes before and after their s…
Mitochondrial superoxide anions induced by exogenous oxidative stress determine tumor cell fate: an individual cell-based study
In this cell-based study, researchers investigated how external oxidative stress affects individual lung cancer cells. They found that applying a stressor like hydrogen peroxide caused a rapid increase in reactive oxyge…
Inter and Intra operator reliability of motor and palpation evaluation in fascial manipulation in individuals coxarthrosis
This study investigated the reliability of assessment methods used in Fascial Manipulation® (FM®) for individuals with hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis). Researchers tested whether different therapists, and the same the…
Vitamin C Can Shorten the Length of Stay in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis reviewed data from 18 controlled trials involving over 2000 patients to assess if vitamin C affects the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The results suggest that vitamin C supplementat…
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients
This pilot study investigated whether supplementing with specific collagen peptides could improve symptoms for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Participants combined a calf-strengthening program with either…