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.
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…
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…
All you need to know about the AIP diet
This article reviews the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which aims to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of autoimmune disorders. The diet is based on the idea that problems with the gut wall, sometimes called 'l…
Cellulite: a review with a focus on subcision
This narrative review examines cellulite, a common skin condition characterized by altered skin topography that primarily affects women on their buttocks and thighs. The authors discuss the potential underlying causes a…
S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis: A systematic review
This systematic review examines the role of the protein S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis. S100A4 is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key process that allows cancer cells to spread. The aut…
Identification of a new subset of lymph node stromal cells involved in regulating plasma cell homeostasis
This study investigated how antibody-producing plasma cells are supported within lymph nodes. Researchers identified a specific type of connective tissue cell, a medullary fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC), that forms a…
Mechanical Properties of the Cytoskeleton and Cells
In this review article, the authors describe the cytoskeleton, which is the cell's main mechanical structure. It is a complex and dynamic network of biopolymers that includes microtubules, actin, and intermediate filame…
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,…
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…
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…
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 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…
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 MATRIX RHYTHM THERAPY (MRT) COMBINED WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN FROZEN SHOULDER – A CASE REPORT
This case report describes the treatment of a 52-year-old man with a painful and stiff right shoulder, diagnosed as frozen shoulder. His condition also involved tendinosis, bursitis, and osteoarthritic changes. The pati…
The effect of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage
This study investigated whether vibration stimulation before or after exercise could reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Thirty healthy men were divided into three groups: one receiving vibration before exercise, one…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Type III and Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type): Clinical Description and Natural History
This 2017 review summarizes the clinical understanding of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), thought to be the most common hereditary disorder of connective tissue. It is primarily characterized by musculoskelet…
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…
Bi component T1p and T2 Relaxation Mapping of Skeletal Muscle In-Vivo
Researchers evaluated a specific MRI technique for creating more detailed images of skeletal muscle. Using what is known as T1ρ and T2 relaxation mapping on the calf muscles of healthy volunteers, they were able to dist…
Minimizing Injury and Maximizing Return to Play: Lessons from Engineered Ligaments
Musculoskeletal injuries are a primary reason for time away from sports, partly because our understanding of how training affects tendons and ligaments is limited. This study used engineered ligaments grown in a lab fro…
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…
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…
Sensitivity of ACL Volume and T2* Relaxation Time to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan Conditions
This animal study investigated how different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditions affect measurements of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Researchers in this pig study compared images taken at different reso…
Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis
In a small study involving eight healthy men, researchers investigated the effect of vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before exercise. Participants who consumed 15 grams of gelatin one hour before a short, int…
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…
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…
Acoustic wave therapy for cellulite, body shaping and fat reduction
This study evaluated the efficacy of acoustic wave therapy (AWT) for cellulite and body shaping. Thirty women with moderate to severe cellulite underwent 12 treatment sessions on the glutes and thighs over six weeks. Th…
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…
Evaluation of fascial manipulation in carpal tunnel syndrome
Details for this study are not yet available. The research, published in 2017, appears to evaluate the effectiveness of Fascial Manipulation® for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Without an abstract, further details abo…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Patterns of attachment of the myodural bridge by the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle
This anatomical study used dissection and plastination techniques to examine the myodural bridge, a small tissue connection in the upper neck. Researchers focused on the attachments of the rectus capitis posterior minor…
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…
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…
Is remote stretching based on myofascial chains as effective as local exercise? A randomised-controlled trial
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether stretching the lower limbs could improve neck mobility as effectively as direct neck stretching. Researchers divided 63 healthy participants into three groups: one s…
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…
Monitoring the primo vascular system in lymphatic vessels by using window chambers
In this animal study, researchers developed a method for observing the primo vascular system (PVS) inside the lymphatic vessels of rats over an extended period. By implanting a "window chamber" into the skin and injecti…
What Is Evidence-Based About Myofascial Chains: A Systematic Review
This systematic review evaluated anatomical dissection studies to find evidence for six proposed myofascial meridians. Researchers analyzed 62 studies and found strong evidence for the anatomical continuity of three lin…
Remote effects of lower limb stretching: preliminary evidence for myofascial connectivity?
This study investigated whether stretching the lower body could affect neck mobility. Twenty-six healthy participants were divided into two groups, with one group performing static stretches for the calf and hamstring m…
Manual evaluation of the diaphragm muscle
The diaphragm is a vital muscle for breathing, but it also plays a key role in posture, organ function, and even emotional states. Despite its importance, there is little scientific literature on how to manually assess…
Overlapping signatures of chronic pain in the DNA methylation landscape of prefrontal cortex and peripheral T cells
In this animal study, researchers investigated how chronic pain might be linked to epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation. They compared rats with long-term nerve injury pain to a control group, examining tiss…
Acute bouts of upper and lower body static and dynamic stretching increase non‑local joint range of motion
This study investigated whether stretching one part of the body could increase flexibility in a completely different area. Researchers had participants perform either static or dynamic stretches for their shoulders and,…
Thermographic mapping of the skin surface in biometric evaluation of cellulite treatment effectiveness
This study explored a new way to objectively measure the effectiveness of cellulite treatments using thermal imaging (thermography). Researchers followed ten women undergoing a series of treatments, taking thermal image…
Collagen structure: new tricks from a very old dog
This narrative review summarizes how our understanding of collagen's triple helix structure has evolved. Initial models from the 1950s provided a general overview, but the development of synthetic collagen-like peptides…
Systemic inflammatory profiles and their relationships with demographic, behavioural and clinical features in acute low back pain
This study investigated systemic inflammation in acute low back pain, which is less studied than inflammation in chronic conditions. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 99 individuals within two weeks of LBP onset a…
Three Case Reports of Successful Vibration Therapy of the Plantar Fascia for Spasticity Due to Cerebral Palsy-Like Syndrome, Fetal-Type Minamata Disease
This series of case reports describes the long-term effects of vibration therapy on lower-limb spasticity in three patients with fetal-type Minamata disease, a condition with symptoms similar to cerebral palsy. Research…
Coordinated integrin activation by actin-dependent force during T-cell migration
Researchers investigated how immune cells, specifically T-cells, generate the force needed to move. Using fluorescent tension sensors, they visualized the tension within integrins, which are proteins that help cells gri…