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.
Fasciae of the musculoskeletal system: normal anatomy and MR patterns of involvement in autoimmune diseases
This review article describes the fascial system as a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue found throughout the body. The authors review the normal anatomy of fascia and its appearance on magnetic resonance…
Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Treatment for Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Systematic Review
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of different physiotherapy techniques for treating urinary incontinence in women. Researchers analyzed 16 studies covering methods such as pelvic floor exercises, vagin…
Meaning of the Solid and Liquid Fascia to Reconsider the Model of Biotensegrity
This theoretical article proposes a reconsideration of the traditional biotensegrity model. The authors argue that fascia should be viewed as a system with both solid and liquid components, where blood and lymph constit…
Therapeutic potentials of superoxide dismutase
This narrative review explores the therapeutic potential of superoxide dismutases (SODs), a group of enzymes that serve as a crucial antioxidant defense against oxidative stress in the body. The author discusses the rol…
Variations in Contents of Hyaluronan in the Peritumoral Micro-Environment of Human Chondrosarcoma
The micro-environment surrounding a tumor greatly influences its growth and response to therapy. This study focused on chondrosarcoma, a type of bone cancer resistant to both chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers quan…
Frontiers in fascia research
This article reviews recent developments in fascia research, emphasizing new ways to assess this highly variable tissue. Researchers note that fascia differs greatly between individuals in density, stiffness, and metabo…
Hyaluronan in adipogenesis, adipose tissue physiology and systemic metabolism
This narrative review summarizes research on hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule abundant in the body's extracellular matrix. The functions of HA are largely dictated by its molecular size, and it is commonly used as…
Pathobiology of cigarette smoke-induced invasive cancer of the renal pelvis and its prevention by vitamin C
In this animal study, researchers investigated how cigarette smoke might cause invasive cancer of the renal pelvis and if vitamin C could offer protection. They found that when guinea pigs were exposed to cigarette smok…
Measuring the Human Ultra-Weak Photon Emission Distribution Using an Electron-Multiplying, Charge-Coupled Device as a Sensor
Living systems, including humans, emit an extremely faint light called ultra-weak photon emission (UPE). This light is thought to be a byproduct of metabolic processes, particularly those involving reactive oxygen speci…
The infrapatellar fat pad and the synovial membrane: an anatomo-functional unit
This descriptive review summarizes evidence on the close relationship between the infrapatellar fat pad and the synovial membrane in the knee. Anatomically, they are linked, as parts of the synovial membrane insert into…
Comparison of vibration rolling, nonvibration rolling, and static stretching as a warm-up exercise on flexibility, joint proprioception, muscle strength, and balance in young adults
This study compared the immediate effects of three warm-up techniques in young adults: vibration rolling, non-vibration rolling, and static stretching. Researchers measured changes in lower-body flexibility, joint posit…
A New Concept of Biotensegrity Incorporating Liquid Tissues: Blood and Lymph
This conceptual article proposes an update to the biotensegrity model, which traditionally focuses on the solid structures of the fascial system. The authors argue that "liquid tissues" like blood and lymph should also…
What Is the Point? The Problem with Acupuncture Research That No One Wants to Talk About
In this 2018 commentary, the authors address a persistent criticism of acupuncture research: the unclear scientific basis for "acupuncture points." They argue that the acupuncture research community has not paid enough…
The anatomical relationships of the tongue with the body system
In this review article, the authors examine the tongue's functions and its anatomical connections to the rest of the body. The tongue is not only essential for swallowing, breathing, and speaking, but it also affects po…
Fascial preadipocytes: another missing piece of the puzzle to understand fibromyalgia?
In this review paper, the authors discuss fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition whose cause remains uncertain. While often linked to changes in the central nervous system, research also points to peripheral nerve damag…
Elevated expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 associates with decreased survival in diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas
Astrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumor in adults. In this retrospective study, researchers investigated hyaluronan, a key component of the brain's extracellular matrix, and its related enzymes in 163 tumor…
Muscle spindles of the rat sternomastoid muscle
This animal study on rats examined the sternomastoid muscle in the neck, which has a unique structure. Researchers found it has two distinct regions: a superficial "white" part with fast-twitch fibers and a deep "red" p…
Lipedema—An update
This review provides an update on lipedema, a chronic condition affecting subcutaneous fat tissue in the limbs, almost exclusively in women. It typically appears during or after puberty and is characterized by symmetric…
A review of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement techniques
This narrative review examines how pregnancy and childbirth affect the pelvic floor, based on studies using objective measurement tools like ultrasound and MRI. The authors found that pregnancy, particularly the first,…
A fundamental critique of the fascial distortion model and its application in clinical practice
This narrative review critiques the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), a manual therapy approach based on the idea that all musculoskeletal complaints stem from distortions of fascia. The author investigated the scientific…
Fascial well-being: Mechanotransduction in manual and movement therapies
This article discusses mechanotransduction, the process by which cells in connective tissue sense and respond to mechanical forces like stretch, compression, and shear. Specialized cells such as fibroblasts communicate…
Not merely a protective packing organ? A review of fascia and its force transmission capacity
This review article examines fascia's role in transmitting force throughout the body. Traditionally seen as just a "packing" material, research now suggests fascia is an active tissue that connects muscles into a body-w…
Non-invasive Assessment of Lameness in Horses with Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement “Kissing spine”: A Case Study.
In this case study, researchers examined a horse with recurring lameness and "kissing spine" using three non-invasive techniques. Acoustic myography was used to assess muscle activity and locate the injury, while bioimp…
The myodural bridge existing in the Nephocaena phocaenoides
The myodural bridge is a connection between a small neck muscle and the spinal cord's outer covering (the dura mater) previously identified in humans. In this anatomical animal study, researchers investigated whether a…
The Lumbodorsal Fascia as a Potential Source of Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review
This narrative review examines the role of the lumbodorsal fascia as a potential source of low back pain. Research shows this fascia contains pain-sensing nerve endings, which may be morphologically altered in people wi…
Acute effects of foam rolling on passive tissue stiffness and fascial sliding: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
This document is a study protocol, outlining the planned method for a randomized controlled trial, not a report of its results. The researchers intend to investigate the immediate effects of foam rolling on the anterior…
Semimembranosus Muscle Injuries In Sport. A Practical MRI use for Prognosis
This retrospective study investigated whether MRI scans could help predict recovery time for athletes with injuries to the semimembranosus, one of the hamstring muscles. Researchers analyzed MRI scans from 19 athletes,…
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
This cadaver study investigated the connection between a small neck muscle (Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor, RCPMi) and the spinal dura mater. Researchers used both microscopic analysis and biomechanical testing to clari…
Spontaneous photon emission: A promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for breast cancer
In this animal study, researchers investigated if ultra-weak light emission from the body, called spontaneous photon emission (SPE), could detect breast cancer. They measured light from the skin of mice with breast canc…
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
This commentary proposes a model of fascia not as layers, but as a network of polyhedral microvacuoles of connective tissue. These structures connect the body's systems and can change shape in response to tension, allow…
Muscle strength and stiffness in resistance exercise: Force transmission in tissues
Researchers used a mathematical model to estimate how forces are transmitted through the quadriceps muscle during isometric resistance exercises. They specifically looked at how knee angle affects muscle stiffness, stre…
Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Joint: Value of Glenohumeral Distance on Magnetic Resonance Arthrography
Researchers investigated a new way to help diagnose adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) using a specific type of MRI called MR arthrography. They measured the distance between the ball and socket of the shoulder joint…
The second terminations of the suboccipital muscles: An assistant pivot for the To Be Named Ligament
In this anatomical dissection study of 35 head-neck specimens, researchers investigated small muscle attachments in the suboccipital region. The scientists confirmed the existence of "second terminations" from several s…
Effect of MELT method on thoracolumbar connective tissue: The full study
This study investigated if the MELT method, a self-treatment technique using soft rollers and balls, could affect the thoracolumbar connective tissue in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers used ultrasound ima…
Telocytes heterogeneity: From cellular morphology to functional evidence
This review discusses telocytes, a recently identified type of cell found throughout the connective tissue (stroma) of vertebrates. They are characterized by extremely long, thin extensions called telopodes, which form…
Non-contrast MRI diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
This study investigated whether a standard MRI without contrast dye could be used to reliably diagnose adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers reviewed MRIs for specific signs, such as a thickene…
Art Advancing Science: Filmmaking Leads to Molecular Insights at the Nanoscale
A project that began as an artistic endeavor to create an entertaining short film about fertilization led to the development of a new scientific simulation tool. By integrating physics-based animation software from the…
We are operating too much
In this editorial, the author, an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, observes a rising number of operations for orthopedic and trauma ailments. He notes that this trend runs counter to the results of high-quality studies, w…
Molecular insights into prolyl and lysyl hydroxylation of fibrillar collagens in health and disease
This narrative review provides an updated overview of the complex process of creating mature collagen. The formation of collagen fibrils from precursor molecules involves many enzymes and chaperones in a series of steps…
The significance of closed kinematic chains to biological movement and dynamic stability
Biomechanical research has long focused on the body as a system of levers, but this review highlights the importance of "closed kinematic chains" (CKCs). These are continuous mechanical loops that couple multiple parts…
Human mesenchymal stem cells secrete hyaluronan-coated extracellular vesicles
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to help with tissue repair, partly by releasing tiny packages called extracellular vesicles (EVs). This study investigated the connection between these EVs and hyaluronan (HA), a…
Don’t Forget the Abdominal Wall: Imaging Spectrum of Abdominal Wall Injuries after Nonpenetrating Trauma
Abdominal wall injuries from non-penetrating trauma are relatively common but are often overlooked in the emergency department. This can happen because more severe, distracting injuries draw attention away, or because t…
Piezoelectric material – A promising approach for bone and cartilage regeneration
This paper outlines a novel hypothesis for regenerating bone and cartilage, two weight-bearing tissues that are challenging to repair. Current treatments for damage from trauma or diseases like osteoarthritis have signi…
Correlation between chronic headaches and the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle: A comparative analysis of cross-sectional trail
Researchers investigated the relationship between chronic headaches and a small muscle at the base of the skull, the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPmi). Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), they compared the size…
Amino acid composition in determination of collagen origin and assessment of physical factors effects
This study examines the amino acid composition of collagen derived from various sources, including fish skin, bovine Achilles tendon, and bone tissue. The researchers found that the levels of hydroxyproline, a unique am…
Does the vaginal wall become thinner as prolapse grade increases?
This study investigated the relationship between vaginal wall thickness and the severity of pelvic organ prolapse. Researchers used ultrasound to measure the vaginal walls of 243 women with symptomatic prolapse. They fo…
Implications of immune dysfunction on endometriosis associated infertility
This literature review explores the link between endometriosis and infertility, a common issue for which the cause is not fully understood. The authors suggest that dysfunction in the immune system plays a significant r…
Correlations of magnetic resonance imaging findings with clinical symptom severity and prognosis of frozen shoulder
Researchers used a specific type of MRI (indirect MR arthrography) to examine the shoulders of 52 people with frozen shoulder and 52 without. They found that certain features, like thickening and inflammation-related ch…
Vitamin C for preventing atrial fibrillation in high risk patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 15 trials to see if vitamin C could prevent atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. The analysis, involving over 2000 subjects, found inconsistent results depending o…
Calcium Signaling in Interstitial Cells: Focus on Telocytes
This narrative review describes current knowledge on calcium signaling in a group of cells called interstitial cells, with a special focus on telocytes. These cells and their calcium signals are important for generating…
CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?
This retrospective study investigated whether signs of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) typically seen on MRI could also be identified using CT arthrography (CTA). Researchers compared CTA scans from 22 patients wi…
What's in a name: Myofascial Release or Myofascial Induction?
This commentary discusses two terms for a similar manual therapy technique: Myofascial Release (MFR) and Myofascial Induction Therapy (MIT). The author notes that while the techniques are virtually identical, the names…
Reconnecting the Body in Eastern and Western Medicine
Details for this 2017 publication, titled 'Reconnecting the Body in Eastern and Western Medicine' by Helene M. Langevin and Rosa N. Schnyer, have not yet been summarized. The title suggests a discussion comparing and in…
The universal existence of myodural bridge in mammals: an indication of a necessary function
The myodural bridge is a connective tissue structure linking one of the deep, upper neck muscles to the spinal dura mater. This anatomical study investigated whether this structure, known in humans, also exists in other…
Intermuscular force transmission along myofascial chains: a systematic review
This systematic review examined evidence for force transmission along continuous lines of muscle and fascia, often called myofascial chains. Researchers analyzed nine studies of moderate to excellent quality that invest…
Vitamin C Protects Chondrocytes against Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis by Multiple Pathways
In this study using rat and cell models, researchers investigated if vitamin C could protect cartilage cells against osteoarthritis-like damage. The results showed that vitamin C reduced oxidative stress, inflammation,…
Connection of the Posterior Occipital Muscle and Dura Mater of the Siamese Crocodile
In this animal study, researchers investigated a connective tissue structure called the myodural bridge in six Siamese crocodiles. This bridge connects deep muscles in the suboccipital region to the dura mater, the oute…
Effect of the Suboccipital Musculature on Symptom Severity and Recovery after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
This study investigated whether the size of the deep neck muscles at the base of the skull is related to symptoms and recovery after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Researchers used MRI to measure the cross-sectio…
A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura Mater
In this systematic review, researchers compiled data from 26 studies to investigate direct soft-tissue connections between neck muscles and the dura mater, the outermost membrane surrounding the spinal cord. The analysi…
Fibromodulin Interacts with Collagen Cross-linking Sites and Activates Lysyl Oxidase
Fibrosis is characterized by a dense and stiff collagen matrix, formed through a cross-linking process driven by the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX). This study investigated the role of another protein, fibromodulin, in this…