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.
Clinical Relevance of Fascial Tissue and Dysfunctions
Fascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that supports the entire body. Traditionally seen as a passive structure, recent research shows it plays a more active role. Fascia contains contractile elements that…
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…
Fascia—Current knowledge and future directions in physiatry: Narrative review
In this 2014 narrative review, the authors discuss fascia from the perspective of physiatry, or rehabilitation medicine. They note that while fascia is part of the body's connective tissue, its definition is unclear in…
Our Internal Universe
This 2014 entry, titled 'Our Internal Universe' by Stephen M Levin, has not yet been summarized. The title suggests a conceptual exploration of the body's internal environment, possibly from a structural or philosophica…
Crosstalk between fibroblasts and inflammatory cells
This narrative review describes how fibroblasts, traditionally seen as passive cells that produce extracellular matrix, are increasingly understood as active key players in the immune system. The authors provide an over…
A decorin-deficient matrix affects skin chondroitin/dermatan sulfate levels and keratinocyte function
This study in mice investigated how the absence of a proteoglycan called decorin affects skin structure and function. Researchers found that mice lacking decorin had an altered composition of other sugar molecules (chon…
Contractile elements in muscular fascial tissue – implications for in-vitro contracture testing for malignant hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but serious reaction to general anesthesia, diagnosed using a test on a skeletal muscle biopsy. Since muscle samples also contain fascia, which has contractile cells called myofibro…
Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin
This review article summarizes research on how oral hyaluronan (HA) supplements may influence skin hydration levels. Studies suggest that a daily intake of 120–240 mg of hyaluronic acid can contribute to increased moist…
Hyaluronan Synthase 2 Protects Skin Fibroblasts against Apoptosis Induced by Environmental Stress
Skin fibroblasts need to manage environmental stress, such as UV radiation. This study on mouse cells investigated how hyaluronan (HA) and the enzymes that produce it help fibroblasts survive. Researchers found that cel…
Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of daily collagen peptide supplementation in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Participants received either porcine or bovine collagen, or a place…
Lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns in three stances under graded loading conditions: Proposing a tensegrity model for load transfer through the sacroiliac joints
Researchers investigated how lumbopelvic muscles activate to stabilize the sacroiliac (SI) joints under different loads. They compared muscle activity in 30 men during two-legged and one-legged standing while holding we…
Mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix homeostasis
Connective tissues are dynamic, constantly adapting even at rest. Cells within these tissues continually sense mechanical cues from their environment through a process called mechanotransduction. In response, they maint…
The Role of Functional Foods in Cutaneous Anti-aging
This narrative review examines how functional foods and oral supplements may influence skin aging by addressing oxidative stress and inflammation. Research suggests that compounds such as carotenoids, aloe vera, red gin…
Pro-Resolving lipid mediators and Mechanisms in the resolution of acute inflammation
In this narrative review, the authors explain that the resolution of inflammation is an active, carefully orchestrated process, not just the passive stopping of an inflammatory response. Specific molecules called specia…
Skin, fascias, and scars: symptoms and systemic connections
This review article explores how skin, fascia, and scars are interconnected and can affect the entire body. The authors describe the skin as an organ that communicates with the nervous system and other structures. When…
Identification and signature profiles for pro-resolving and inflammatory lipid mediators in human tissue
Researchers developed a method to identify and measure specific molecules in human blood and lymphoid tissues called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These molecules are known to actively help resolve inflamm…
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,…
Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: influence of respiration on the body system
This review article explains why the diaphragm muscle is a critical crossroads of information for the entire body. The authors describe its extensive anatomical, fascial, and neurological connections, which link it to s…
Cranial nerves XIII and XIV: nerves in the shadows
This narrative review discusses two often-overlooked cranial nerves: the terminal nerve (XIII) and the intermediate nerve (XIV). The authors note that while these nerves have been known for over a century, they are freq…
Cytoskeletal remodeling of connective tissue fibroblasts in response to static stretch is dependent on matrix material properties
This study investigated how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, change shape in response to static stretching. Researchers compared fibroblasts in loose (areolar) and dense connective tissues, as well as ce…
Direct magnetic resonance (MR) shoulder arthrography: posterior approach under ultrasonographic guidance and abduction (PAUGA
This study evaluated a specific technique, called PAUGA, for injecting contrast dye into the shoulder joint before an MRI scan (MR arthrography). Researchers used ultrasound to guide a needle from the back of the should…
Telocytes: ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and electrophysiological characteristics in human myometrium
This study identifies a specific cell type, telocytes, within the muscular wall of both the pregnant and non-pregnant human uterus. Researchers found that these cells have a different structure depending on whether the…
Training principles for fascial connective tissues: Scientific foundation and suggested practical applications
Conventional sports training often emphasizes muscles, cardiovascular conditioning, and coordination, yet most overload injuries occur within the body's connective tissue network, or fascia. This review article proposes…
CCN2: a mechanosignaling sensor modulating integrin-dependent connective tissue remodeling in fibroblasts?
Mechanical tension is essential for the function and health of connective tissue. In skin fibroblasts, the protein integrin β1 plays a key role in adhesion and in regulating healing and fibrosis (scarring). This theoret…
Stress and Matrix-Responsive Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Fibroblasts
In loose connective tissue, fibroblasts change shape in response to static stretch, which helps the tissue relax. This study investigated whether this response depends on the cell itself or its surrounding environment,…
Vitamin C Is an Essential Factor on the Anti-viral Immune Responses through the Production of Interferon-α/β at the Initial Stage of Influenza A Virus (H3N2) Infection
This animal study investigated how vitamin C affects the immune response to influenza A virus (H3N2). Researchers used mice that, like humans, cannot synthesize their own vitamin C. When these mice were made vitamin C-d…
Air ions and mood outcomes: a review and meta-analysis
This review and meta-analysis examined 33 studies to investigate how air ions affect human psychological states. The authors found no consistent effects of positive or negative ionization on anxiety, general mood, relax…
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 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.…
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 in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview
This narrative review provides an overview of Vitamin C's many roles in the body. It is essential for developing and maintaining connective tissues, and plays a key part in bone formation, wound healing, and gum health.…
Squeeze film lubrication for non-Newtonian fluids with application to manual medicine
Researchers used a mathematical model to investigate how manual therapy affects the fluid in and around fascia. The model focused on hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural lubricant in connective tissue. The results suggest th…
Nociception originating from the crural fascia in rats
This animal study investigated how the crural fascia, the connective tissue around the lower leg muscles, might be a source of pain signals in rats. Researchers found that this fascia is densely populated with nerve fib…
A pilot study of myofascial release therapy compared to Swedish massage in Fibromyalgia
This small pilot study compared the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and Swedish massage on women with fibromyalgia. Participants received either MFR or Swedish massage for 90 minutes weekly over four weeks. While bo…
Cellulite's aetiology: a review
In this literature review, researchers examined the underlying causes of cellulite. They found that cellulite is a complex phenomenon with many interacting factors, rather than a single cause. The research points to wom…
Primo Vascular System: Past, Present, and Future
As only the title of this article was available, this summary is necessarily limited. The title, "Primo Vascular System: Past, Present, and Future," suggests this is a review article. It likely covers the history of the…
Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease
This small study investigated how direct physical contact with the earth, known as 'grounding' or 'earthing', affects blood properties. Ten healthy participants were grounded for two hours using conductive patches on th…
Fascial Components of the Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) involves muscle pain and other symptoms linked to trigger points, but the role of fascia is often overlooked. This review summarizes recent research into the biology of fascia to better un…
A Randomized Steady-State Bioavailability Study of Synthetic versus Natural (Kiwifruit-Derived) Vitamin C
This randomized study investigated whether the body absorbs vitamin C from kiwifruit as effectively as from a synthetic supplement. Thirty-six young men received either half a kiwifruit or an equivalent dose (50 mg) vit…
The 17-β-oestradiol inhibits osteoclast activity by increasing the cannabinoid CB2 receptor expression
This in vitro study investigated how 17-β-oestradiol (estrogen) affects osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. The researchers found that estrogen inhibits the formation and activity of these cells by i…
Sensory findings after stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia with hypertonic saline suggest its contribution to low back pain
This experimental study investigated the role of the thoracolumbar fascia as a potential source of low back pain. Researchers injected a pain-inducing saline solution into the fascia, back muscles, and subcutaneous tiss…
Plantar fascia anatomy and its relationship with Achilles tendon and paratenon
This study investigated the detailed anatomy of the plantar fascia and its connection to the Achilles tendon. Dissections of human cadavers revealed that the fascia is more closely linked to the paratenon (the tendon's…
Human skeletal muscle ascorbate is highly responsive to changes in vitamin C intake and plasma concentrations
This study investigated how vitamin C intake affects its concentration in human skeletal muscle. Researchers gave 36 men either half a kiwifruit or two kiwifruits daily for six weeks, as kiwifruit is a rich source of vi…
Histological analysis of the rectus capitis posterior major’s myodural bridge
This cadaver study investigated a small tissue bridge between a suboccipital muscle (rectus capitis posterior major) and the dura mater, the protective covering of the spinal cord. Using microscopic analysis on tissue f…
Histological examination of the human obliquus capitis inferior myodural bridge
This cadaver study examined the connection between a deep neck muscle, the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI), and the dura mater, the tough outer layer covering the spinal cord. Researchers dissected tissue from eight cad…
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…
Understanding mechanotransduction and biotensegrity from an adaptation perspective
This article, for which only the title is available, appears to be a conceptual exploration of mechanotransduction and biotensegrity. Mechanotransduction is the process by which cells sense and respond to mechanical for…
Dosed Myofascial Release in Three-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Human Fibroblast Hyperplasia, Hypertrophy, and Cytokine Secretion
This laboratory study investigated how different amounts and durations of simulated myofascial release (MFR) affect lab-grown human tendon tissue. Researchers applied varying degrees of stretch for different lengths of…
Vitamin C further improves the protective effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 on acute hypoglycemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes
Acute low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 1 diabetes can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the lining of blood vessels. This study investigated whether the hormone GLP-1 and vitamin C co…
Visceral and Somatic Disorders: Tissue Softening with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent
This review article explores a technique called Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM), which uses microampere-level electrical currents to treat various health conditions. A consistent finding is a rapid and palpable so…
Complete Obstetric Anal Sphincter Tear and Risk of Long-term Fecal Incontinence: A Cohort Study
This cohort study followed women for over 20 years to assess the long-term effects of complete anal sphincter tears during childbirth. Researchers compared 125 women who experienced such a tear with 238 women who gave b…
Metabolic control of hyaluronan synthases
This narrative review explores how a cell's energy and nutritional status regulate the production of hyaluronan (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix. HA is synthesized by enzymes called HAS, which require s…
Hyaluronic acid production and molecular weight improvement by redirection of carbon flux towards its biosynthesis pathway
Researchers investigated how to optimize the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) in bacteria. In the bacterium *Streptococcus zooepidemicus*, HA production competes for the same nutrients as other processes like cell gro…
The resolution of inflammation
This article summarizes a discussion from a scientific conference on how to turn off undesirable inflammation. There is a growing appreciation that the resolution of inflammation, much like its initiation, is an active…
Hyaluronan: A Simple Polysaccharide with Diverse Biological Functions
This review paper describes hyaluronan (HA), a simple sugar molecule found abundantly throughout the body's connective tissues. Despite its simple structure, HA has a surprising array of biological functions. It helps o…
Implementation of Matrix Rhythm Therapy and Conventional Massage in Young Females and Comparison of Their Acute Effects on Circulation
This randomized controlled trial compared the acute effects of Matrix Rhythm Therapy and conventional massage on lower leg blood circulation in young, healthy women. Fifteen participants received a single 30-minute sess…
The Primo Vascular System as a New Anatomical System
This review paper proposes the existence of a "primo vascular system" (PVS) as the physical, anatomical basis for the meridian system of traditional Eastern medicine. According to the authors, this previously unknown sy…
Fascia Research Congress Evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still
This review paper examines research from the first three International Fascia Research Congresses through the perspective of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine. Over a century ago, Still described…
Applications and Emerging Trends of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue Engineering, as a Dermal Filler, and in Osteoarthritis Treatment
This narrative review summarizes knowledge about hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring polymer found in the body's connective tissues and fluids. The authors describe how HA contributes to the structural propertie…