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.
Gut Microbiota Extracellular Vesicles as Signaling Molecules Mediating Host-Microbiota Communications
This review article discusses how small membrane-bound sacs called microbiota-released extracellular vesicles (MEVs) act as messengers between the gut microbiome and the host body. These vesicles carry a variety of biol…
Layers of interstitial fluid flow along a "slit-shaped" vascular adventitia
In this animal study on rabbits, researchers investigated how interstitial fluid, the fluid between cells, moves along the outermost layer of blood vessels. Using imaging techniques like MRI and fluorescent dyes, the sc…
Binding of Androgen- and Estrogen-Like Flavonoids to Their Cognate (Non)Nuclear Receptors: A Comparison by Computational Prediction
This computational study investigated how six common flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables bind to the body's estrogen and androgen hormone receptors. Using advanced docking simulations, researchers found that subst…
The Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on the Symptoms and the Duodenal Neurogenin 3, Musashi 1, and Enteroendocrine Cells in Patients With Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This clinical study investigated how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) affects patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). Researchers analyzed duodenal biopsies to observe changes in stem cells and hormone-pro…
Fascia The Universal Singularity Of Biotensegrity The Dark Matter Of Our Inner Cosmos
This theoretical paper argues that fascia is the body's fundamental and unifying system, analogous to dark matter in the cosmos. The author suggests this continuity is evident from embryology, where the body develops as…
Tendon and ligament mechanical loading in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis
This review article discusses how mechanical loading affects tendons and ligaments. While normal levels of loading are essential for maintaining tissue health, pathological levels of force act as a stressor that can tri…
Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell–ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation
This narrative review describes how cells and their surrounding environment, the extracellular matrix (ECM), constantly communicate with each other. This communication involves physical cues from the ECM being translate…
Symptomatology correlations between the diaphragm and irritable bowel syndrome
This narrative review explores the potential connection between the diaphragm muscle and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The authors propose that an altered contractile ability of the diaphragm and different breathing p…
Alterations of Extracellular Matrix Mechanical Properties Contribute to Age-Related Functional Impairment of Human Skeletal Muscles
This study investigated why muscles become stiffer with age by comparing individual muscle fibers to bundles of fibers that include the extracellular matrix (ECM). Researchers found that while the stiffness of individua…
T1ρ‐Mapping for Musculoskeletal Pain Diagnosis: Case Series of Variation of Water Bound Glycosaminoglycans Quantification before and after Fascial Manipulation® in Subjects with Elbow Pain
In this small case series, researchers evaluated five patients with chronic elbow pain. Using an advanced MRI technique (T1ρ-mapping), they measured the concentration of bound and unbound water in the deep fascia before…
Fascia and soft tissues innervation in the human hip and their possible role in post-surgical pain
Researchers investigated the nerve supply to various soft tissues in the human hip to better understand persistent pain after hip replacement surgery. Analyzing tissue samples from patients and cadavers, they measured t…
A randomized clinical trial for the effect of static stretching and strengthening exercise on pelvic tilt angle in LBP patients
This randomized clinical trial investigated whether stretching or strengthening tight hamstrings could change pelvic posture in people with low back pain. Forty-five participants were divided into three groups: static s…
Local low-intensity vibration improves healing of muscle injury in mice
In this animal study, researchers investigated how local low-intensity vibration (LIV) affects muscle injury healing in mice. After lacerating the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle in mice, one group received daily vibration…
The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 1
In this review article, the first of a two-part series, the authors examine the foundational assumptions of cranial osteopathy. They argue that a theoretical model must evolve with new scientific information to avoid be…
Telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells: Two immunophenotypically distinct and spatially close cell entities
Researchers have been working to clarify the identity of two cell types, telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells, which can sometimes look similar in tissue samples. This study used a specific staining technique to lo…
Flavonoids and Other Polyphenols Act as Epigenetic Modifiers in Breast Cancer
This narrative review explores how dietary flavonoids and other polyphenols may influence breast cancer through epigenetic mechanisms. Research suggests that compounds found in green tea, soy, and berries can affect gen…
Fibrous configuration of the fascia iliaca compartment: An epoxy sheet plastination and confocal microscopy study.
This anatomical study on human cadavers investigated the detailed structure of the fascia iliaca compartment (FIC), an important target for lower limb nerve blocks. Using dissection and microscopy, researchers found the…
Identification of Telocytes in the Pancreas of Turtles—A role in Cellular Communication
In this animal study, researchers examined the pancreas of turtles to look for a specific cell type called telocytes. Using advanced microscopy and other laboratory techniques, they confirmed for the first time that the…
Repositioning Vitamin C as a Promising Option to Alleviate Complications associated with COVID-19
This narrative review explores the potential of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) for managing complications associated with COVID-19. The authors highlight its known functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and i…
A Review of the Theoretical Fascial Models: Biotensegrity, Fascintegrity, and Myofascial Chains
In this review article, the authors discuss three theoretical models used to understand how fascia functions in the body. The biotensegrity model is mechanical and considers the solid fascia, while the fascintegrity mod…
Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19
This review discusses the crucial role of nutrition in supporting the immune system's ability to fight infections. A well-functioning immune response requires a steady supply of energy and specific nutrients derived fro…
The Five Diaphragms in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Myofascial Relationships, Part 1
This review article outlines the osteopathic concept of the body's "five diaphragms": the tentorium cerebelli, tongue, thoracic outlet, respiratory diaphragm, and pelvic floor. According to the osteopathic respiratory-c…
Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection by earthing
This observational study investigated the effects of 'earthing'—direct physical contact with the ground—in 59 people with COVID-19. Participants engaged in earthing for 15 minutes to 3 hours daily. The author reported t…
Long-term resveratrol supplementation improves pain perception, menopausal symptoms, and overall well-being in postmenopausal women: findings from a 24-month randomized, controlled, crossover trial
This 24-month randomized controlled crossover trial investigated the effects of daily resveratrol supplementation in 125 postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that taking 75 mg of resveratrol twice daily may reduce…
The Five Diaphragms in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Myofascial Relationships, Part 2
This conceptual review article continues an examination of the "five diaphragms" concept within osteopathic manipulative medicine. The paper focuses on the myofascial connections along the front and sides of the body, e…
Manipulation of the Fascial System Applied During Acute Inflammation of the Connective Tissue of the Thoracolumbar Region Affects Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Interleukin-4 Levels: Experimental Study in Mice
This animal study investigated the effects of manual fascial manipulation on acute inflammation in the connective tissue of mice's lower backs. Researchers induced inflammation and then applied a specific manipulation p…
Reflections on the Development of Fascial Tissue: Starting from Embryology
This reflective article discusses the ongoing challenges in classifying fascial tissue. The authors highlight that the scientific literature contains many contradictions and lacks a clear, straightforward definition. Th…
Acute Effects of Dynamic Stretching Followed by Vibration Foam Rolling on Sports Performance of Badminton Athlets
This study investigated the effects of two different warm-up routines on the performance of badminton athletes. Researchers compared dynamic stretching (DS) alone to a combination of dynamic stretching followed by vibra…
Effect of Low-Intensity Vibration on Bone Strength, Microstructure, and Adiposity in Pre-Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated if daily low-intensity vibration could improve bone health in postmenopausal women with pre-osteoporosis. For one year, one group used a vibrating platform for 10 m…
Mini-Review on the Roles of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Selenium in the Immune System against COVID-19
This mini-review discusses how vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium may affect the immune system in relation to COVID-19. Research suggests that deficiencies in these micronutrients are common in patients with acute respi…
Low-frequency mechanical vibration induces apoptosis of A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells
Researchers are exploring mechanical vibration as a potential cancer therapy that avoids harming healthy cells. In this lab study, a brief, low-frequency vibration was applied to a line of human skin cancer cells (A431)…
Calf stretching and plantar fascia-specific stretching for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at eight studies to compare two common stretching techniques for plantar fasciitis: calf stretching and plantar fascia-specific stretching. The authors analyzed the data t…
Day of peak pain reduction by a single session of dry needling in the upper trapezius myofascial trigger points: A 14 daily follow-up study
This study tracked daily pain in people with upper trapezius trigger points following a single dry needling session. Participants received one treatment combined with self-stretching exercises and reported their pain fo…
Iliopsoas muscle thickness and pelvic alignment in pronated and normal foot postures
This study investigated whether chronic foot hyperpronation is linked to changes in pelvic alignment and iliopsoas muscle thickness. Researchers compared a group of women with pronated feet to a group with normal foot p…
Morphological and immunophenotypic characterization of perivascular interstitial cells in human glioma: Telocytes, pericytes, and mixed immunophenotypes
Researchers investigated two types of cells, telocytes and pericytes, found around blood vessels in brain tumors. The study found that the number of telocytes was ten times higher in the more aggressive glioblastoma tum…
Continuous Ascorbate Infusions in the Management of Patients with Advanced Colon Cancer
This study analyzed data from a previous clinical trial involving 17 patients with late-stage colon cancer. The patients received continuous intravenous infusions of vitamin C (ascorbate) over 6-8 weeks. Researchers fou…
Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections
In this review, the authors state that optimal nutritional status is crucial for a well-functioning immune system and protection against viral infections. They highlight that many vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folate),…
Om vikten av att stärka immunförsvaret under covid-19
This memo summarizes the state of knowledge on strengthening the immune system in the elderly to better manage COVID-19. The authors focus on findings that highlight the importance of maintaining adequate levels of spec…
Bicarbonate use and mortality outcome among critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis: A meta analysis
This meta-analysis investigated whether treating critically ill patients with sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis, a condition of excess acid in the blood, affects mortality. The use of bicarbonate in intensive ca…
Structural remodelling of the lumbar multifidus, thoracolumbar fascia and lateral abdominal wall perimuscular connective tissues: A cross-sectional and comparative ultrasound study
Researchers used ultrasound to compare soft tissues in the lower back and abdomen of people with and without non-acute low back pain (LBP). They measured the multifidus muscle, the thoracolumbar fascia, and the connecti…
The relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1): An emerging player in human health and disease
This review article explores the relaxin hormone and its receptor, RXFP1, a signaling pathway known for its ability to soften ligaments and connective tissue. While relaxin shows potent antifibrotic potential in laborat…
A Closer Look at Anandamide Interaction With TRPV1
This study used advanced molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how anandamide, an endocannabinoid, interacts with the TRPV1 ion channel, which is central to pain perception. The researchers observed that anandam…
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…
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…
Higher Circulating Cortisol in the Follicular vs. Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis investigated how levels of the stress hormone cortisol vary across the menstrual cycle in healthy women. By synthesizing data from multiple high-quality studies, researchers found that cortisol levels…
Biotensegrity: What is the big deal?
Details for this entry have not yet been summarized. The title, "Biotensegrity: What is the big deal?", suggests it is an explanatory or editorial piece about the concept of biotensegrity. Biotensegrity is a model that…
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…
Collagen supplementation for skin health: A mechanistic systematic review
This systematic review evaluates the impact of collagen supplementation on skin health and aging parameters. By analyzing ten clinical trials, researchers found that oral intake of both intact and hydrolyzed collagen co…
Do Interventions with Diet or Dietary Supplements Reduce the Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials to determine if diet or dietary supplements can reduce disease activity in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers found moderate-strength evidence…
Cannabinoids in Medicine: Cancer, Immunity, and Microbial Diseases
This narrative review explores how cannabinoids, including those from plants and those produced naturally by the body, influence health through the endocannabinoid system. The authors describe how these compounds intera…
Sensitivity of the Fasciae to the Endocannabinoid System: Production of Hyaluronan-Rich Vesicles and Potential Peripheral Effects of Cannabinoids in Fascial Tissue
This laboratory study investigated how fascial cells respond to cannabinoids. Researchers isolated fibroblast cells from human fascia lata and treated them with a substance that activates cannabinoid receptor 2. The tre…
Cellular elements organization in the trachea of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) with a special reference to its local immunological role
This animal study examined the cellular structure of the trachea (windpipe) in mallard ducks using light and electron microscopy. Researchers found a complex organization of cells that form the first line of defense aga…
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…
Healthy fats and exclusion-zone size
This study investigated whether healthy fats can contribute to the formation of exclusion-zone (EZ) water, also known as the fourth phase of water. Researchers tested substances such as ghee, coconut oil, and lard to se…
Extracellular Vesicles Released From Articular Chondrocytes Play a Major Role in Cell-Cell Communication
This narrative review examines the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as crucial mediators in cell-to-cell communication. EVs are small, lipid-enclosed particles that transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material t…
Is the extent of obstetric anal sphincter injury correlated with the severity of fecal incontinence in the long term?
This retrospective study investigated the relationship between the extent of obstetric anal sphincter injury and the severity of long-term fecal incontinence (FI). Researchers analyzed data from 250 women with a mean ag…
The potential of cannabidiol in the COVID-19 pandemic
This scientific hypothesis explores the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as a supportive treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors suggest that CBD may down-regulate the receptors the virus uses for cellular ent…
Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of fibromyalgia
This narrative review examines the use of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for treating fibromyalgia, a complex condition that often responds poorly to standard therapies. The authors note that while high-quality randomiz…
Comparison of the therapeutic outcomes between open plantar fascia release and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of intractable plantar fasciitis
This retrospective study compared two surgical treatments for severe, persistent plantar fasciitis: open plantar fascia release and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Researchers analyzed outcomes for 31 patients nea…
Neuroanatomy, Cranial Nerve 11 (Accessory)
This review article describes the anatomy and function of the 11th cranial nerve, the accessory nerve. This nerve is essential for neck and shoulder movement, controlling key muscles like the trapezius and sternocleidom…