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 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
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…
A New Player in the Mechanobiology of Deep Fascia: Yes-Associated Protein (YAP)
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…
Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19
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.…
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
This 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…
Time-Restricted Eating, Intermittent Fasting, and Fasting-Mimicking Diets in Weight Loss
This 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…
Prevalence and risk factors for menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women: a community-based cross-sectional study
This 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…
Vascular Stiffness in Aging and Disease
This 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…
Hyaluronic Acid in Postmenopause Vaginal Atrophy: A Systematic Review
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…
The Rolf Method of Structural Integration and Pelvic Floor Muscle Facilitation: Preliminary Results of a Randomized, Interventional Study
This 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…
Recent advances in the anti-aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress
This 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…
Regular Supplementation With Resveratrol Improves Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
This 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…
Ankle Motion Is Associated With Soft Tissue Displacement in the Dorsal Thigh: An in vivo Investigation Suggesting Myofascial Force Transmission Across the Knee Joint
This 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…
Role of vitamin K 2 in bone metabolism: a point of view and a short reappraisal of the literature
This 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…
Narrative review of the epidemiology, diagnosis and pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse
This 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…
Tissue Micro-channels Formed by Collagen Fibers and their Internal Components: Cellular Evidence of Proposed Meridian Conduits in Vertebrate Skin
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…
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
This 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…
Role of a natural integrator based on lipoic acid, palmitoiletanolamide and myrrh in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis
This 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)…
Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue
This 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…
Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
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…
Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse
This 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…
Overuse Injury: The Result of Pathologically Altered Myofascial Force Transmission?
In 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…
Ultrasound-detected connective tissue involvement in acute muscle injuries in elite athletes and return to play: The French National Institute of Sports (INSEP) study
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…
Specific Collagen Peptides in Combination with Resistance Training Improve Body Composition and Regional Muscle Strength in Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This 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…
Bone turnover markers after the menopause: T-score approach
This 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…
Endogenous systems involved in exercise-induced analgesia
This 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…
Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement
This 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…
Anatomy of the Superficial Fascia System of the Breast: A Comprehensive Theory of Breast Fascial Anatomy
This 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…
Lymphatic System Flows
The 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,…
The nature and biology of basement membranes
This 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,…
Theoretical study of aerobic vitamin C loss kinetics during commercial heat preservation and storage
This 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…
The Effect of Menstrual Cycle and Contraceptives on ACL Injuries and Laxity
This 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…
Effects of vitamin C supplementation on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
This 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…
Oxidative Stress and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
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…
Quantitative tissue parameters of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in healthy subjects using a handheld myotonometer
This 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…
Effects of the menstrual cycle on lower-limb biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and anterior cruciate ligament injury risk: a systematic review
This 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…
Hyaluronan as a therapeutic target in human diseases
This 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…
Oxidative stress and oocyte quality: ethiopathogenic mechanisms of minimal/mild endometriosis-related infertility
In 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…
Acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance, range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals: a systematic review
This 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…
Comparison of the Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Cream and Conjugated Estrogen Used in Treatment of Vaginal Atrophy of Menopause Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
This 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…
Piezo2 is the principal mechanotransduction channel for proprioception
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…
Health E!ects of Alkaline Diet and Water, Reduction of Digestive-tract Bacterial Load, and Earthing
This 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…
The relationship between pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea
This 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…
The Heart, the Brain, and the Regulation of Emotion
This 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…
A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - Underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part II
This 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…
Changes in electrical pain threshold of fascia and muscle after initial and secondary bouts of elbow flexor eccentric exercise
This 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…
Osmotic pressure induced tensile forces in tendon collagen
Researchers 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…
Chondroprotection and the Prevention of Osteoarthritis Progression of the Knee
In 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…
An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen intake on joint and bone health and on skin ageing
This 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…
Dietary Hyaluronic Acid Migrates into the Skin of Rats
In this animal study, researchers investigated whether orally ingested hyaluronic acid could reach the skin in rats. Using a radio-labeled version of hyaluronic acid, they tracked its path through the body after rats we…
Cartilage repair using human embryonic stem cell-derived chondroprogenitors
In this animal study, researchers developed a method to turn human embryonic stem cells into cartilage-forming cells under laboratory conditions. These new cells were then implanted into cartilage defects in the knee jo…
Neuroimaging and psychophysiological investigation of the link between anxiety, enhanced affective reactivity and interoception in people with joint hypermobility
This study investigated the connection between joint hypermobility, anxiety, and interoception (the sense of the body's internal state). Researchers confirmed that hypermobility is associated with higher levels of anxie…
The myofibroblast matrix: implications for tissue repair and fibrosis
This review explores the role of myofibroblasts and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue repair and fibrosis. The ECM is not just a passive scaffold for cells, but an active tissue with its own bioactive properties.…
R-Spondin 1 promotes vibration-induced bone formation in mouse models of osteoporosis
This animal study on mice investigated how mechanical signals, like vibration, can stimulate bone growth. Researchers identified proteins secreted by mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) in response to vibration. They fo…
Exercise training initiated in late middle age attenuates cardiac fibrosis and advanced glycation end-product accumulation in senescent rats
This animal study investigated if exercise started later in life could still benefit the aging heart. Researchers had late middle-aged rats begin treadmill training and continue into old age, comparing them to sedentary…
The effect of acute exercise on collagen turnover in human tendons: influence of prior immobilization period
Researchers investigated how a period of immobility affects the Achilles tendon's response to exercise. In this study, eight healthy men had one leg immobilized for two weeks while the other was used normally. Afterward…
Vitamin C intake, circulating vitamin C and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
This meta-analysis combined data from multiple prospective studies to investigate the link between vitamin C and stroke risk. The researchers found that people with higher dietary intake of vitamin C had a lower risk of…
Reduced adipose tissue lymphatic drainage of macromolecules in obese subjects: a possible link between obesity and local tissue inflammation?
Researchers compared lymphatic drainage from abdominal fat tissue in lean and obese men. They measured drainage before and after the men consumed a glucose drink, which mimics the body's response to a meal. In lean men,…
Local vitamin-C Injection Reduced Tendon Adhesion in a Chicken Model of Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Injury
This animal study investigated whether vitamin C could reduce scar tissue formation after a tendon injury. Researchers injured a flexor tendon in chickens and then injected either vitamin C or a saline solution at the s…
Nutritional regulation of muscle protein synthesis with resistance exercise: strategies to enhance anabolism
In this 2012 review article, the authors discuss how nutrition can regulate muscle protein synthesis, especially when combined with resistance exercise. Consuming protein (amino acids) stimulates muscle building, an eff…
The effect of menopause on the skin and other connective tissues
This narrative review examines how menopause and the resulting decline in estrogen affect the body's connective tissues, particularly the skin. Research suggests that skin collagen levels drop significantly following me…