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.
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…
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…
Perspective: Vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity –plausibly linked by latitude, ethnicity, impacts on cytokines,ACE2 and thrombosis
This narrative review explores the potential link between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of COVID-19. The authors observed that countries at higher latitudes, with less sun exposure, had higher COVID-19 mortality…
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…
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…
Mechanical sensing protein PIEZO1 regulates bone homeostasis via osteoblast-osteoclast crosstalk
This study using mouse models investigates how the protein PIEZO1 acts as a mechanical sensor in the skeleton to regulate bone mass. Researchers found that a deficiency of PIEZO1 in bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) lead…
Propolis-induced exclusion of colloids: Possible new mechanism of biological action
This laboratory study investigates how propolis (bee glue) interacts with water to create an exclusion zone (EZ)—a layer of water that repels solutes and microorganisms. The researchers found that surfaces coated with p…
Fascial Nomenclature: Update on Related Consensus Process
The term "fascia" is increasingly used across different health-oriented fields, but often inconsistently, which causes confusion. To address this, the Fascia Research Society established a Fascia Nomenclature Committee.…
Vitamin C: an essential “stress hormone” during sepsis
The body's stress response involves hormones like cortisol and catecholamines, but in most mammals, it also includes increased production of vitamin C. These substances work together to protect the body from damage duri…
Improving the New Definition of Fascial System
This narrative review proposes expanding the definition of the fascial system to include bone tissue. The author argues that bone, a specialized form of connective tissue, shares the same embryological origins as other…
Intravascular heavy chain-modification of hyaluronan during endotoxic shock
In this animal study, researchers investigated why a specific molecule, HC-modified hyaluronan (HC-HA), is critical for survival in systemic inflammation (like endotoxic shock) but less so in localized lung inflammation…
Fascial Nomenclature: An Update
This review article discusses the ongoing challenge of creating a single, comprehensive definition for fascia. The authors argue that different scientific and clinical fields view fascia through their own unique lenses,…
Hyaluronan/collagen hydrogels containing sulfated hyaluronan improve wound healing by sustained release of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor
This study investigated a new type of hydrogel designed to improve wound healing. Researchers combined collagen and hyaluronan (HA), a natural component of connective tissue, with a growth factor that stimulates skin ce…
Tissue Regeneration from Mechanical Stretching of Cell–Cell Adhesion
This narrative review explores how mechanical stretching can stimulate tissue regeneration and wound healing. Researchers have long known that cells respond to mechanical forces, but much of the focus has been on the co…
Overuse Injury: The Result of Pathologically Altered Myofascial Force Transmission?
In this narrative review, the authors propose a new perspective on overuse injuries. Traditionally, therapy focuses on the site of pain, viewing the injury as the result of local, repetitive microdamage. The authors hyp…
Immunofibroblasts are pivotal drivers of tertiary lymphoid structure formation and local pathology
In sites of chronic inflammation or infection, connective tissue cells called fibroblasts can change their behavior. This study shows how a specific group of fibroblasts transforms into a network of so-called "immunofib…
Observation using thermography of post-operative reaction after fascial manipulation®
This study investigated whether Fascial Manipulation® causes a local increase in skin temperature, which is theorized to be part of its mechanism. Researchers used a thermal-imaging camera to measure skin temperature in…
Tentorium Cerebelli: Muscles, Ligaments, and Dura Mater, Part 1
In this narrative review, the authors describe the anatomy of the tentorium cerebelli, part of the reciprocal tension membranes that divide areas of the brain. They highlight its connections to the dura mater, ligaments…
Vitamin C and Neutrophil Function: Findings from Randomized Controlled Trials
This systematic review examined how vitamin C supplementation affects neutrophils, a key type of immune cell. Researchers analyzed 16 randomized controlled trials that measured neutrophil functions like their ability to…
Mechanobiology of cells and cell systems, such as organoids
This review discusses organoids, which are three-dimensional tissues grown in a lab that self-organize to mimic organ development. While organoids offer great potential for disease modeling and drug development, little…
Anatomy, Fascia
This resource provides an overview of the anatomy of fascia. As the full text has not yet been reviewed, this summary is based on the title alone. The entry likely covers the structural and functional aspects of fascial…
Role of the immune system in vascular function and blood pressure control induced by faecal microbiota transplantation in rats
This animal study investigated the link between gut bacteria, the immune system, and blood pressure in rats. Researchers transplanted gut microbiota between spontaneously hypertensive rats and rats with normal blood pre…
Cellular nanoscale stiffness patterns governed by intracellular forces
Cell stiffness is important in many biological processes, but its precise relationship to the forces acting inside the cell has been unclear. In this study, researchers developed a new high-resolution imaging platform t…
Vitamin C Can Shorten the Length of Stay in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis reviewed data from 18 controlled trials involving over 2000 patients to assess if vitamin C affects the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The results suggest that vitamin C supplementat…
Association of thoraco-lumbar fascia length in individuals with non-specific low back pain - an observational study
This observational study compared 31 people with non-specific low back pain to 31 healthy individuals to investigate the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). Researchers measured TLF length by assessing lumbar spine rotation, an…
The neural basis of the senses of effort, force and heaviness
This narrative review explores how we sense effort, force, and heaviness during muscle contraction. Traditionally, these sensations were thought to originate in the brain from copies of motor commands. However, new evid…
Lymphatic pump manipulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
This narrative review examines the use of lymphatic pump manipulation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by persistent inflammation, and lymphatic techniques aim to red…
Ultrasound-detected connective tissue involvement in acute muscle injuries in elite athletes and return to play: The French National Institute of Sports (INSEP) study
This study examined 70 elite athletes with acute muscle injuries. Researchers used ultrasound within seven days to assess injury severity and to see if connective tissue was involved. They then tracked the time it took…
Hierarchical Hydrogel Composite Interfaces with Robust Mechanical Properties for Biomedical Applications
This review summarizes advances in hydrogel composites, materials designed to mimic the body's extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells naturally sense and respond to the mechanical properties and physical structure of the ECM…
Intra-articular effects of combined xenogenous serum rich in growth factors (SRGF) and vitamin C on histopathology grading and staging of osteoarthritis in rat model
This animal study investigated a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. Researchers induced OA in the rats' knees and then treated them with intra-articular injections. One group received a combination of…
The Awareness of the Fascial System
In this theoretical article, the authors propose a new way of looking at the fascial system, drawing on concepts from quantum physics. They suggest that fascial cells can sense, remember, and even anticipate mechanical…
Mitochondrial superoxide anions induced by exogenous oxidative stress determine tumor cell fate: an individual cell-based study
In this cell-based study, researchers investigated how external oxidative stress affects individual lung cancer cells. They found that applying a stressor like hydrogen peroxide caused a rapid increase in reactive oxyge…
The fascial breath
This narrative review proposes a new way of understanding the diaphragm muscle, moving beyond a purely mechanical view. The authors argue that the diaphragm is not just covered by fascia but is fundamentally a fascial t…
Bone Broth Unlikely to Provide Reliable Concentrations of Collagen Precursors Compared With Supplemental Sources of Collagen Used in Collagen Research
This study analyzed the amino acid content of bone broth to assess it as a reliable source of collagen precursors, the building blocks the body uses to make collagen. Researchers compared various broths—commercial, home…
A Systematic Review of the Morphology and Function of the Sacrotuberous Ligament
This systematic review examined existing research on the sacrotuberous ligament (STL) to clarify its anatomy and function. The STL is often implicated in conditions like pelvic girdle pain, but its exact role has been d…
The Other Side of the Fascia: The SmoothMuscle Part 1
This theoretical article challenges the standard definition of fascia. Traditionally, fascia is considered connective tissue originating from two embryonic layers, the mesoderm and ectoderm. The authors propose expandin…
Evaluation of hyaluronan content in areas of densification compared to adjacent areas of fascia
This entry is currently a title only, so a full summary is not available. Based on the title, the researchers appear to have evaluated and compared the hyaluronan content in areas of fascial densification with the conte…
The Other Side of the Fascia: Visceral Fascia, Part 2
This editorial, part two of a series, argues for including certain internal organs (viscera) within the definition of fascia. From an osteopathic perspective, the authors suggest that understanding these organs as fasci…
Vitamin C Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis by Affecting the Expression of YAP1 and Synaptopodin 2
In this study using cell cultures and animal models, researchers investigated how vitamin C might inhibit the spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). They found that vitamin C, at concentrations achievable throu…
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients
This pilot study investigated whether supplementing with specific collagen peptides could improve symptoms for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Participants combined a calf-strengthening program with either…
New Insights of Uterine Leiomyoma Pathogenesis: Endocannabinoid System
This study investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in the development of uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids. Researchers analyzed tissue samples and found that the expression of specific receptor…
Rehabilitation and nutrition protocols for optimising return to play from traditional ACL reconstruction in elite rugby union players: A case study
This case report followed two professional rugby players undergoing rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In addition to a standard rehabilitation program, they received specific suppl…
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations After the Ingestion of Dairy and Collagen Proteins, in Healthy Active Males
This study investigated how blood amino acid levels changed in healthy, active men after they consumed either collagen or dairy proteins. Researchers found that the different protein sources led to distinct amino acid p…
Cannabidiol differentially regulates basal and LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages, lung epithelial cells, and fibroblasts
This laboratory study investigated how cannabidiol (CBD) influences inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. The researchers found that CBD can reduce inflammation triggered by ext…
The effects of vibration-induced altered stretch reflex sensitivity on maximal motor unit firing properties
Researchers investigated how muscle vibration, which affects the stretch reflex, influences muscle strength and nerve signals during maximal effort. In a study with 24 participants performing maximal knee extensions, th…
Glut-1 explains the evolutionary advantage of the loss of endogenous vitamin C-synthesis
Unlike many animals, humans cannot produce their own vitamin C. This study explores a potential evolutionary advantage of this loss. Researchers compared red blood cells from humans and pigs (who can make vitamin C) and…
Imaging of ultraweak photon emission for evaluating the oxidative stress of human skin
This study explored a method for visualizing oxidative stress in human skin by imaging ultraweak photon emission (UPE), also known as biophotons. Researchers found that exposing skin to UV radiation increased the intens…
Age-related changes in leg proprioception: implications for postural control
This narrative review examines how aging affects proprioception—the body's sense of its own position and movement—and its implications for balance. To maintain an upright stance, the brain relies on signals from recepto…
Cell Biology: Function Guides Form of Auditory Sensory Cells
This study describes how the sensory cells in our ears get their specific shape. These cells have bundles of tiny hair-like structures called stereocilia, arranged like a staircase in rows of decreasing height. The proc…
Active Contractile Properties of Fascia
This narrative review explores how fascia, often seen as a passive tissue, can actively contract. Researchers point to the presence of cells called myofibroblasts within the fascia, which give it the ability to change i…
Involvement of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1b in the Development of Acid-Induced Chronic Muscle Pain
In this animal study, researchers investigated the role of a specific ion channel, called ASIC1b, in the development of chronic muscle pain. They created a fibromyalgia-like condition by injecting acid into the leg musc…
Cranial osteopathy: Obscurantism and Enlightenment
In this reflective article, the authors discuss the controversial aspects of cranial osteopathy. They address common objections, such as the idea that the cranial bones are immobile in adults and that an operator's hand…
Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether intravenous vitamin C could help patients with sepsis and severe acute respiratory failure. Researchers gave 167 patients either a high-dose vitamin C infusion or a…
Future Aspects for Cannabinoids in Breast Cancer Therapy
This scientific review explores how cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may influence breast cancer beyond their established role in palliative care for pain and nausea. Research suggests that cannabinoids might decelera…
Cannabis sativa L. extract and cannabidiol inhibit in vitro mediators of skin inflammation and wound injury
This in vitro study investigated how Cannabis sativa extract and its component cannabidiol (CBD) affect inflammation in human skin cells. Researchers found that both the extract and pure CBD reduced the release of sever…
Benefits of adding stretching to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programme in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether adding stretching to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program provided extra benefits for women with fibromyalgia. One group performed moderate aerobic exercise…
Fascia Is Able to Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation
This study investigated whether fascia can actively contract, challenging the traditional view of it as a passive tissue. Researchers examined human and rat fascial samples for the presence of contractile cells called m…
Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle Strength and Power: An Attempt to Clarify Previous Caveats
This narrative review examines how static stretching affects subsequent strength and power. While static stretching was once thought to hinder performance, recent evidence suggests the duration of the stretch is the cri…
The Primo Vascular System as a Possible Exosomal Route Across the Body: Implications for Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis
This literature review proposes a possible link between the primo vascular system (PVS)—a network associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians—and the way cancer spreads. The theory is that exosomes, tiny vesi…
Stiffness and echogenicity: Development of a stiffness-echogenicity matrix for clinical problem solving
Assessing soft tissue stiffness is important for many neuromusculoskeletal conditions, but can be challenging. While ultrasound can measure a tissue's echogenicity (how it reflects sound waves), this is not directly pro…