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+2023
The Combined Effect of Static Stretching and Foam Rolling With or Without Vibration on the Range of Motion, Muscle Performance, and Tissue Hardness of the Knee Extensor
Masatoshi Nakamura, Andreas Konrad, Kazuki Kasahara, Riku Yoshida, Yuta Murakami, Shigeru Sato, Kodai Aizawa, Ryoma Koi…This study investigated how the order of static stretching (SS) and foam rolling (FR), with or without vibration, affects range of motion, muscle strength, and tissue hardness in the quadriceps. The results showed that…
range of motionFoam rollingPerformancestatic stretching - A+2023
Urinary Incontinence and Other Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions as Underestimated Problems in People under Forty Years: What Is Their Relationship with Sport?
Lorenza Bonaldi, Maria Vittoria Mascolini, Martina Todesco, Anna Zara, Camilla Rossato, Caterina Fede, Chiara Giulia Fo…Urinary incontinence is still an underestimated problem due to its anatomical complexity and social taboo. Most of the time, it is believed to affect predominantly the elderly female population, and the literature still…
urinary incontinence; pelvic floor dysfunction; sport; gender; aging - A+2023
A New Player in the Mechanobiology of Deep Fascia: Yes-Associated Protein (YAP)
Carmelo Pirri, Brasilina Caroccia, Andrea Angelini, Maria Piazza, Lucia Petrelli, Ilaria Caputo, Chiara Montemurro, Pie…This study investigated the role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the mechanobiology of deep fascia, specifically the thoracolumbar fascia. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from patients and found that YAP acts as…
fascia; thoracolumbar fascia; extracellular matrix; fibroblasts; Yes-associated protein (YAP); remodeling - A+2021
Vascular Stiffness in Aging and Disease
Stephen F Vatner, Jie Zhang, Christina Vyzas, Kalee Mishra, Robert M Graham, Dorothy E VatnerThis narrative review examines how vascular stiffness, particularly in the aorta, increases with age and contributes to various cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that stiffness often progresses more significant…
aging; aortic stiffness; cardiovascular diseases; human; non-human primate - A+2021
Time-Restricted Eating, Intermittent Fasting, and Fasting-Mimicking Diets in Weight Loss
Maura Fanti, Amrendra Mishra, Valter D Longo, Sebastian BrandhorstThis literature review examines the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE), intermittent fasting (IF), and fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) on weight loss. While these interventions are popular for their potential health…
Fasting-mimicking diet; Intermittent fasting; Obesity; Time-restricted eating; Weight loss - A+2021
Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19
Yun Kit Yeoh, Tao Zuo, Grace Chung-Yan Lui, Fen Zhang, Qin Liu, Amy Y L Li, Arthur C K Chung, Chun Pan Cheung, Eugene Y…Researchers investigated the link between the gut microbiome and the severity of COVID-19. In this cohort study, they analyzed stool and blood samples from 100 patients and compared them to individuals without COVID-19.…
colonic bacteria; colonic microflora; inflammation - A+2021
Prevalence and risk factors for menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women: a community-based cross-sectional study
Xueyin Wang, Linhong Wang, Jiangli Di, Xiaosong Zhang, Gengli ZhaoThis community-based cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of menopausal symptoms among over 6,000 middle-aged Chinese women. The findings indicate that symptoms are most prevalent during the menopausal transiti…
Menopausal symptoms – Menopause – Perimenopause – Postmenopause – Risk factors - A+2021
Hyaluronic Acid in Postmenopause Vaginal Atrophy: A Systematic Review
Carlos Campagnaro M Dos Santos, Maria Laura R Uggioni, Tamy Colonetti, Laura Colonetti, Antonio José Grande, Maria Inês…This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid as a treatment for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. By analyzing five primary studies, researchers found that hyaluronic acid appears to offe…
Hyaluronic Acid; Postmenopause; Systematic Review; Vaginal Atrophy - A+2021
Menopause, Ultraviolet Exposure, and Low Water Intake Potentially Interact with the Genetic Variants Related to Collagen Metabolism Involved in Skin Wrinkle Risk in Middle-Aged Women
Sunmin Park, Suna Kang, Woo Jae LeeThis observational study of 128 middle-aged women examined how genetic variants related to collagen metabolism interact with lifestyle factors to influence wrinkle development. Researchers found that women with a high p…
COL17A1; EGFR; MMP16; UV exposure; genetic variants; wrinkle. - A+2020
Long-term effects of resveratrol on cognition, cerebrovascular function and cardio-metabolic markers in postmenopausal women: A 24-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
Jay Jay Thaung Zaw, Peter R C Howe, Rachel H X WongThis 24-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study investigated the effects of daily resveratrol supplementation in 125 postmenopausal women. The researchers found that regular intake of 75 mg re…
Resveratrolsupplementation - A+2020
The Rolf Method of Structural Integration and Pelvic Floor Muscle Facilitation: Preliminary Results of a Randomized, Interventional Study
Martyna Kasper-Jedrzejewska, Grzegorz Jedrzejewski, Lucyna Ptaszkowska, Kuba Ptaszkowski, Robert Schleip, Tomasz HalskiThis randomized, interventional study investigated how the Rolf Method of Structural Integration (SI) affects pelvic floor muscle function in healthy women. Thirty-three women were divided into two groups; one received…
pelvic floor muscles; Structural Integration; surface electromyography - A+2020
Ankle Motion Is Associated With Soft Tissue Displacement in the Dorsal Thigh: An in vivo Investigation Suggesting Myofascial Force Transmission Across the Knee Joint
Jan Wilke, Heloise Debelle, Sarah Tenberg, Andrew Dilley, Constantinos MaganarisThis study investigated how ankle motion affects tissue in the back of the thigh. Researchers passively stretched the calves of healthy participants lying prone with an extended knee. Using ultrasound, they observed tha…
fasciamyofascial chainsultrasound.Myofascial force transmissionrange of motion - A+2020
Role of vitamin K 2 in bone metabolism: a point of view and a short reappraisal of the literature
A Capozzi, G Scambia, S Migliaccio, S LelloThis narrative review examines the role of Vitamin K2 in bone metabolism and its contribution to maintaining skeletal integrity. Vitamin K2 is essential for activating osteocalcin, a key protein that binds calcium to th…
Vitamin K2; bone; fracture; menaquinone; osteoporosis - A+2020
Narrative review of the epidemiology, diagnosis and pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse
Adi Y Weintraub, Hannah Glinter, Naama Marcus-BraunThis narrative review examines the epidemiology and causes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition affecting many women's quality of life. The authors highlight a discrepancy in prevalence rates, noting that while a…
Epidemiology; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; physiopathology - A+2020
Regular Supplementation With Resveratrol Improves Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Rachel H X Wong, Jay Jay Thaung Zaw, Cory J Xian, Peter R C HoweThis randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated how daily resveratrol supplementation affects bone health in postmenopausal women. Over 12 months, participants taking 75 mg of resveratrol twice daily showed incre…
AGING; CLINICAL TRIALS; DXA; MENOPAUSE; NUTRITION - A+2020
Tissue Micro-channels Formed by Collagen Fibers and their Internal Components: Cellular Evidence of Proposed Meridian Conduits in Vertebrate Skin
Bai Xuebing, Wu Ruizhi, Zhang Yue, Liang Chunhua, Shi Yonghong, Zhang Yingxin, Ding Baitao, Imran Tarique, Yang Ping, C…This study examined fascia from various vertebrate species using microscopy to search for physical structures that might correspond to the meridian conduits described in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Researchers i…
Collagen fiberTelocyteChinese traditional medicinemeridian conduittissue micro-channel - A+2020
Recent advances in the anti-aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress
Tao Liu, Nan Li, Yi-Qi Yan, Yan Liu, Ke Xiong, Yang Liu, Qing-Mei Xia, Han Zhang, Zhi-Dong LiuThis narrative review examines how phytoestrogens, plant-derived compounds that mimic human estrogen, may influence skin aging processes. Research suggests these molecules can help counteract the decline in collagen and…
collagen; estrogen; oxidative stress; phytoestrogens; skin aging; water content - A+2019
Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Katherine Sievert, Sultana Monira Hussain, Matthew J Page, Yuanyuan Wang, Harrison J Hughes, Mary Malek, Flavia M Cicut…This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether regular breakfast consumption affects body weight and energy intake in adults from high-income countries. The findings suggest that individuals who skipped break…
beakfastweight control - A+2019
Role of a natural integrator based on lipoic acid, palmitoiletanolamide and myrrh in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis
Vincenzo De Leo, Angelo Cagnacci, Valentina Cappelli, Anna Biasioli, Deborah Leonardi, Renato SeracchioliThis study investigated a nutritional supplement for endometriosis-related pain. Sixty women with ovarian endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain took a supplement containing alpha-lipoic acid, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)…
nutraceuticalendometriosispelvic painantioxidant - A+2019
Ultrasound-detected connective tissue involvement in acute muscle injuries in elite athletes and return to play: The French National Institute of Sports (INSEP) study
Jérôme Renoux, Jean-Louis Brasseur, Mathilde Wagner, Alain Frey, Dominique Folinais, Christian Dibie, Djamila Maiza, Mi…This study examined 70 elite athletes with acute muscle injuries. Researchers used ultrasound within seven days to assess injury severity and to see if connective tissue was involved. They then tracked the time it took…
ultrasound.return to playMuscle injuriesConnective tissue injury - A+2019
Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse
Runqi Gong, Zhijun XiaThis narrative review summarizes research on how changes in collagen are linked to pelvic organ prolapse in women. Collagen is a critical component of the pelvic floor, providing essential supportive functions. Studies…
extracellular matrixcollagenBiomechanicsPelvic organ prolapseSignaling pathways - A+2019
Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue
Ulrike Hass, Catrin Herpich, Kristina NormanThis narrative review explores the link between pro-inflammatory status and chronic disease-related fatigue in conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. While evidence for individual nutrien…
anti-inflammatory nutrition; cancer; chronic fatigue; cytokines; fatigue reduction diet; inflammation; myalgic encephalomyelitis; omega-3 fatty acids; polyphenols; probiotics. - A+2019
Specific Collagen Peptides in Combination with Resistance Training Improve Body Composition and Regional Muscle Strength in Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Patrick Jendricke, Christoph Centner, Denise Zdzieblik, Albert Gollhofer, Daniel KönigThis randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of combining resistance training with a daily intake of 15 grams of specific collagen peptides in premenopausal women. Over 12 weeks, participants trained three…
body composition; collagen peptides; hand-grip strength; leg press; premenopausal; protein supplementation; resistance training - A+2019
Overuse Injury: The Result of Pathologically Altered Myofascial Force Transmission?
Jan Wilke, Andry Vleeming, Scott WearingIn this narrative review, the authors propose a new perspective on overuse injuries. Traditionally, therapy focuses on the site of pain, viewing the injury as the result of local, repetitive microdamage. The authors hyp…
Myofascial force transmissionoveruse injuryfascitismusculoskeletal disorder - A+2018
Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement
Shu-Ye Jiang, Ali Ma, Srinivasan RamachandranThis review paper examines the research on negative air ions (NAIs) and their effects on human health and air quality. Used for over a century in air cleaning, NAIs are associated with improved psychological health and…
negative air ions; superoxide; particulate matter; pulsed electric field - A+2018
Anatomy of the Superficial Fascia System of the Breast: A Comprehensive Theory of Breast Fascial Anatomy
Robert D Rehnke, Rachel M Groening, Eric R Van Buskirk, John M ClarkeThis study investigated the three-dimensional fascial structure of the breast through 12 cadaver dissections and clinical observations during surgery. The researchers identified a closed system of fascia and fat that su…
superficial fasciabreastreconstructive breast surgerycosmetic breast surgery - A+2018
Bone turnover markers after the menopause: T-score approach
Fatma Gossiel, Hibatallah Altaher, David M Reid, Christian Roux, Dieter Felsenberg, Claus-C Glüer, Richard EastellThis study investigated how bone turnover changes in women before and after menopause by measuring specific markers for bone formation (PINP) and bone resorption (CTX). The researchers found that bone turnover increases…
Bone mineral density; Bone turnover markers; Menopause; Osteoporosis - A+2018
Endogenous systems involved in exercise-induced analgesia
R DA SILVA SANTOS, G GALDINOThis narrative review describes the phenomenon of exercise-induced analgesia, which is the pain-relieving effect of physical activity. Studied since the 1970s, this effect is seen in both endurance and resistance exerci…
EndocannabinoidspainexerciseNitric oxideanalgesia - A+2018
Lymphatic System Flows
James E Moore Jr, Christopher D BertramThe lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body's fluid balance by collecting fluid that has leaked from blood vessels and returning it to the bloodstream. This process works against an adverse pressure gradient,…
Physiology; Oedema; Cancer; Immunology; Lymph - A+2017
Quantitative tissue parameters of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in healthy subjects using a handheld myotonometer
Sarah Orner, Wolfgang Kratzer, Julian Schmidberger, Beate GrünerThis study examined the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in over 150 healthy adults using a handheld device called a MyotonPRO. The goal was to establish baseline normal values for tissue…
fasciaachilles tendonplantar fasciaMyotonePRO - A+2017
Effects of the menstrual cycle on lower-limb biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and anterior cruciate ligament injury risk: a systematic review
Vivek Balachandar, Jan-Luigi Marciniak, Owen Wall, Chandrika BalachandarThis systematic review evaluated how the menstrual cycle affects lower-limb biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in women. The authors found strong evidence that the risk…
Biomechanicsligamentneuromuscularcruciatemenstrual. - A+2017
The nature and biology of basement membranes
Ambra Pozzi, Peter D Yurchenco, Renato V IozzoThis review article discusses the nature and biology of basement membranes. These are thin, flexible sheets of tissue that line and separate different structures in the body. Once thought to be just passive scaffolding,…
Collagen; laminin; heparan sulfate proteoglycan; discoidin domain receptor; integrin - A+2017
The Effect of Menstrual Cycle and Contraceptives on ACL Injuries and Laxity
Simone D Herzberg, Makalapua L Motu’apuaka, William Lambert, Rongwei Fu, Jacqueline Brady, Jeanne-Marie GuiseThis systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the relationship between the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The researchers found that knee lig…
anterior cruciate ligament; knee injury; hormonal contraceptives; female; human; menstrual cycle; systematic review; meta-analysis; sports medicine - A+2017
Hyaluronan as a therapeutic target in human diseases
Jiurong Liang, Dianhua Jiang, Paul W NobleThis narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan, a major component of the extracellular matrix involved in tissue injury and repair. Its function varies significantly with its size; fragmented hyaluronan can promo…
hyaluronan - A+2017
Theoretical study of aerobic vitamin C loss kinetics during commercial heat preservation and storage
Micha PelegThis theoretical study presents a mathematical model to describe how vitamin C is lost in food during commercial heat processing and storage. The model accounts for the degradation of two forms of the vitamin, ascorbic…
Ascorbic acid; Degradation reactions; Dehydroascorbic acid; Kinetics; Storage; Thermal processing. - A+2017
Effects of vitamin C supplementation on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
A W Ashor, A D Werner, J Lara, N D Willis, J C Mathers, M SiervoThis systematic review and meta-analysis compiled data from 22 randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation on glycemic control. Overall, the researchers found no significant effect on…
Vitamin Cinsulin resistensglycaemic control - A+2017
Oxidative Stress and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Gennaro Scutiero, Piergiorgio Iannone, Giulia Bernardi, Gloria Bonaccorsi, Savino Spadaro, Carlo Alberto Volta, Pantale…This systematic review explores the connection between oxidative stress and endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility. Oxidative stress is an imbalance b…
Oxidative stressendometriosisROS - A+2016
Acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance, range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals: a systematic review
David G Behm, Anthony J Blazevich, Anthony D Kay, Malachy McHughThis systematic review examines how different types of stretching (static, dynamic, and PNF) affect performance, range of motion (ROM), and injury risk in healthy individuals. The findings suggest that static stretching…
ballistic stretch; dynamic stretch; facilitation neuromusculaire proprioceptive; flexibility; flexibilité; proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; static stretch; warm-up - A+2016
Oxidative stress and oocyte quality: ethiopathogenic mechanisms of minimal/mild endometriosis-related infertility
Michele Gomes Da Broi, Paula Andrea NavarroIn this review article, the authors explore the connection between mild endometriosis and infertility. Although the link is known, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. The researchers suggest that poor oocyte…
Early endometriosis . Infertility . Oocyte quality . Oxidative stress . Follicular microenvironment - A+2016
Piezo2 is the principal mechanotransduction channel for proprioception
Seung-Hyun Woo, Viktor Lukacs, Joriene C de Nooij, Dasha Zaytseva, Connor R Criddle, Allain Francisco, Thomas M Jessell…Proprioception is the sense of where our body parts are in space. In this animal study, researchers investigated the molecular sensor responsible for this ability in mice. They found that an ion channel called Piezo2 wa…
proprioceptionmuscle spindlespiezomechanotranductiiongolgi tendon organ - A+2016
The relationship between pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea
Moon-Jeong Kim, Il-Hun Baek, Bong-Oh GooThis study investigated the relationship between pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). Researchers compared 102 women, divided into a group with menstrual pain and a group without, using 4D imaging to meas…
AlignmentDysmenorrheaPelvic torsion - A+2016
Comparison of the Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Cream and Conjugated Estrogen Used in Treatment of Vaginal Atrophy of Menopause Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Azam Jokar, Tayebe Davari, Nasrin Asadi, Fateme Ahmadi, Sedighe ForuhariThis randomized controlled clinical trial compared the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid vaginal cream with conjugated estrogen cream for treating vaginal atrophy in menopausal women. Over an eight-week period, researche…
Atrophic vaginitis; Estrogen; Hyaluronic acid; Menopause - A+2016
Health E!ects of Alkaline Diet and Water, Reduction of Digestive-tract Bacterial Load, and Earthing
Haider Abdul-Lateef MousaThis narrative review discusses how an alkaline diet, alkaline water, reduced digestive-tract bacterial load, and “earthing” might counter chronic low-grade acidosis. The author synthesizes literature suggesting these a…
chronic inflammationearthinghypertensionMetabolic acidosisalkaline diet - A+2015
Chondroprotection and the Prevention of Osteoarthritis Progression of the Knee
Brian Gallagher, Fotios P Tjoumakaris, Marc I Harwood, Robert P Good, Michael G Ciccotti, Kevin B FreedmanIn this systematic review, researchers evaluated whether certain medications and supplements could protect joint cartilage and slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. By analyzing randomized controlled trials, they…
knee; articular cartilage; chondroprotection; nutraceutical - A+2015
The Heart, the Brain, and the Regulation of Emotion
Sarah N Garfinkel, Jessica A Eccles, Hugo D CritchleyThis research entry, summarized from its title, appears to explore the relationship between the heart, the brain, and how emotions are managed. It likely discusses how signals from the cardiovascular system, specificall…
psychology.psychiatryemotionsbody signals - A+2015
A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - Underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part II
Paolo TozziThis review paper proposes a new, unifying "neuro-fasciagenic" model for understanding somatic dysfunction. The author argues for a shift in perspective, moving from a purely neurological explanation to one where fascia…
fasciaManual Therapysomatic dysfunctionfascial dysfunctionfascial mechanisms - A+2015
An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen intake on joint and bone health and on skin ageing
Teresa Figueres Juher, Esther Basés PérezThis narrative review summarizes research on hydrolysed collagen (HC) and its impact on joint, bone, and skin health. Evidence suggests that these small collagen peptides are highly bioavailable and accumulate in connec…
supplementationOsteoporosishydrolysate collagenosteartrithis - A+2015
Osmotic pressure induced tensile forces in tendon collagen
Admir Masic, Luca Bertinetti, Roman Schuetz, Shu-Wei Chang, Till Hartmut Metzger, Markus J Buehler, Peter FratzlResearchers investigated the role of water in tendon collagen using a combination of experiments and computer modeling. They found that water is a crucial part of the collagen molecule's structure. When water is removed…
collagenOsmotic pressurewater - A+2015
Changes in electrical pain threshold of fascia and muscle after initial and secondary bouts of elbow flexor eccentric exercise
Wing Yin Lau, Anthony J. Blazevich, Michael J. Newton, Sam Shi Xuan Wu, Kazunori NosakaThis study investigated how pain sensitivity changes in fascia and muscle after strenuous eccentric exercise. Ten young men performed two bouts of maximal eccentric elbow curls, four weeks apart. After the first session…
pressure pain thresholdmuscle damageRepeated bout effectDelayed onset muscle sorenessVisual analogue scale