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.
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…
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…
Massage therapy research review
This review summarizes research showing beneficial effects of massage therapy for a wide range of conditions, including prenatal depression, pain syndromes, autoimmune conditions, and issues related to aging. The author…
Interaction between the gut microbiome and mucosal immune system
In this narrative review, the authors outline the two-way relationship between the gut microbiome and the mucosal immune system. A balanced microbiome is essential for the proper maturation and function of the immune sy…
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…
Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system. Narrative review
This narrative review explores the biological effects of manual fascial therapies. While osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is clinically effective, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The authors…
Telocytes: Connective tissue repair and communication cells
This commentary highlights a newly identified type of connective tissue cell called a telocyte. We already know that other cells, like fibroblasts, respond to mechanical forces from manual therapy, influencing tissue re…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mitochondrial dysfunction in the APP/PSEN1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and a novel protective role for ascorbate
In this animal study, researchers examined mitochondrial function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and in mice with low levels of vitamin C (ascorbate). The results indicated that both the presence of amyloid (as…
Vitamin C and Immune Function
This narrative review explores the crucial role of Vitamin C in the human immune system. As a potent antioxidant, it supports various functions in both the innate and adaptive immune responses, from strengthening the sk…
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…
Hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in critically ill patients despite recommended enteral and parenteral intakes
This study investigated vitamin C levels in 44 critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers found that most patients had low vitamin C levels (hypovitaminosis C), and one-third were severely defi…
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…
Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study
In this retrospective before-after study, researchers investigated the effect of a combination therapy of intravenous vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. They compar…
Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Activation and Function
In this scientific review, the authors discuss how magnesium and vitamin D work together in the body. Magnesium acts as a cofactor, meaning it helps activate the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D in the liver and kidney…
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…
Vitamin C Status Correlates with Markers of Metabolic and Cognitive Health in 50-Year-Olds: Findings of the CHALICE Cohort Study
This cohort study examined vitamin C status in 404 fifty-year-olds in New Zealand. Researchers measured the concentration of vitamin C in participants' blood plasma as well as their dietary intake. The results showed th…
Decorin and biglycan are necessary for maintaining collagen fibril structure, fiber realignment, and mechanical properties of mature tendons
This study on mice investigated the role of two molecules, decorin and biglycan, in maintaining healthy adult tendons. Researchers used a genetic model to remove these molecules from mature patellar tendons after they h…
Early versus Delayed Rehabilitation after Acute Muscle Injury
This research entry, titled "Early versus Delayed Rehabilitation after Acute Muscle Injury," is currently awaiting a detailed summary. The title suggests it explores the optimal timing for starting rehabilitation follow…
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…
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,…
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 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,…
Improvement of skin condition by oral administration of collagen hydrolysates in chronologically aged mice
This animal study investigated how oral supplementation of collagen hydrolysates derived from fish scales affected chronological skin aging in mice over six months. The researchers found that mice receiving collagen in…
Activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) by selective agonists regulates the deposition and remodelling of the extracellular matrix
This in vitro study investigated how activating the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) affects scar formation in eye connective tissue after surgery. Researchers found that human Tenon’s fibroblasts express these recept…
Resveratrol supplementation reduces pain experience by postmenopausal women
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether resveratrol supplementation could reduce pain and improve well-being in postmenopausal women. Over 14 weeks, participants taking 75 mg of resv…
Resveratrol Treatment Normalizes the Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats
This animal study on rats investigated how resveratrol affects blood pressure and vascular function during estrogen deficiency, mimicking post-menopausal conditions. Researchers found that a lack of estrogen led to high…
Resveratrol regulates body weight in healthy and ovariectomized rats
This animal study on rats investigated how the plant compound resveratrol affects body weight in both healthy subjects and those who had undergone ovariectomy, a model for menopause. The results suggest that resveratrol…
The deep fascia and retinacula of the equine forelimb - structure and innervation
This study investigated the deep fascia and its reinforcements (retinacula) in the equine forelimb using anatomical dissection and microscopic analysis. The researchers found that horse fascia is structurally similar to…
Electric Nutrition: The Surprising Health and Healing Benefits of Biological Grounding (Earthing)
This narrative review summarizes research on grounding (earthing), which involves direct physical contact with the Earth's surface. The authors suggest that grounding may provide a form of "electric nutrition" with pote…
Touch, Tension, and Transduction - The Function and Regulation of Piezo Ion Channels
This narrative review explores Piezo1 and Piezo2, specialized proteins that act as the body's primary mechanical sensors. These ion channels convert physical forces like touch, tension, and fluid flow into electrical si…
Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application
This narrative review explores the mechanisms and practical use of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) for treating soft tissue injuries. IASTM involves using specialized tools to apply mechanical press…
Proinflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress Decrease the Transport of Dopamine Precursor Tyrosine in Human Fibroblasts
This laboratory study investigated how inflammation and oxidative stress affect the transport of the amino acid tyrosine in human fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell. Tyrosine is a crucial precursor for the ne…
A New Definition of an Acupuncture Meridian
This perspective article proposes a new definition of acupuncture meridians, moving away from the idea of dedicated anatomical vessels. The author suggests that meridians are actually tracts of tissue that become affect…
A Curious Oversight in Acupuncture Research
In this perspective article, the author argues that current acupuncture hypotheses overlook a crucial factor: the speed at which the treatment takes effect. Observations suggest that communication between acupoints and…
Shielding of the geomagnetic field reduces hydrogen peroxide production in human neuroblastoma cell and inhibits the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase
This study investigates how an extremely weak magnetic field, similar to conditions in outer space or shielded environments on Earth, affects human cells. Researchers found that shielding the natural geomagnetic field r…
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…
Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) on risk factors for age-related diseases in 100 healthy participants. For five consecutive days each month over a three-month perio…
Fasting-Mimicking Diet Promotes Ngn3-Driven β-Cell Regeneration to Reverse Diabetes
This study, involving mice and human pancreatic cells, explores how cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) may influence the pancreas's ability to produce insulin. Researchers found that the diet appears to activate g…
NAD and the aging process: Role in life, death and everything in between
This narrative review explores the vital role of the molecule NAD in cellular health and the aging process. Beyond its traditional role in metabolism, NAD is essential for cell signaling and regulating the epigenetic st…
Dietary emulsifiers directly alter human microbiota composition and gene expression ex vivo potentiating intestinal inflammation
This study investigated how common food additives, specifically the emulsifiers polysorbate 80 (P80) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), affect the gut microbiota. Using a laboratory model of the human intestinal ecosyste…
Effects of matrix rhythm therapy on primary lymphedema: a case report
This case report investigated the effects of Matrix Rhythm Therapy on a 36-year-old woman with primary lymphedema in her left leg. She received 20 sessions of the therapy over four weeks, applied to the affected leg, sp…
STRETCHING IMPACTS INFLAMMATION RESOLUTION IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE
In this animal study, researchers investigated the effect of stretching on acute inflammation in the connective tissue of rats. After inducing local inflammation in the rats' backs, one group was subjected to twice-dail…
Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology
Many cancer patients use complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, and yoga to improve their quality of life. This review article suggests these treatments may have further benefits by affecting the body's conn…
Fascial hierarchies and the relevance of crossed-helical arrangements of collagen to changes in shape; part II: The proposed effect of blood pressure (Traube-Hering-Mayer) waves on the fascia
Periodic changes in blood pressure, known as Traube-Hering-Mayer waves, are linked to respiration and nervous system activity. While complex and not fully understood, they can provide valuable clinical information. This…
Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Researchers investigated the gut microbiome and blood markers of inflammation in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Compared to healthy controls, individuals with ME/CFS had reduced…
Nutraceutical supplement in the management of tendinopathies: a systematic review
This 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…
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…
Telocytes and Their Extracellular Vesicles—Evidence and Hypotheses
This narrative review discusses telocytes, a relatively new type of interstitial cell found throughout the body's connective tissues. These cells are characterized by long projections and are involved in communication b…
The tongue after whiplash: case report and osteopathic treatment
This case report describes a 30-year-old man who experienced neck pain during swallowing and had a reduced ability to open his mouth following a whiplash injury. He was treated with osteopathic manual techniques directe…
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…
Hyaluronan concentration and size distribution in human knee synovial fluid: variations with age and cartilage degeneration
This study investigated how the lubricant hyaluronan in knee joint fluid changes with age and cartilage wear. Researchers analyzed synovial fluid from human donors aged 23 to 91 without diagnosed osteoarthritis. They fo…
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…
Hyaluronan production and molecular weight is enhanced in pathway-engineered strains of lactate dehydrogenase-deficient Lactococcus lactis
Researchers are exploring ways to use engineered bacteria to produce hyaluronic acid (HA), but the yield and molecular weight have often been limited. Previous work suggested that excessive lactate production might be t…
Amelioration of estrogen deficiency-induced obesity by collagen hydrolysate
This animal study on rats investigated how collagen hydrolysate supplementation might affect the weight gain often associated with estrogen deficiency, similar to menopause. Researchers found that rats receiving collage…