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.
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…
A Hyaluronan-binding Peptide (P15-1) Reduces inflammatory and catabolic events in IL-1beta-treated human articular chondrocytes
Inflammation in osteoarthritis drives cartilage degradation. In this laboratory study, researchers investigated whether a peptide (P15-1) combined with hyaluronan (HA) could protect human cartilage cells in a simulated…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A History of Fascia
This historiographic review surveys how the anatomical term "fascia" has been portrayed throughout history. The authors found that its meaning has varied considerably during the 400 years the term has been used in Engli…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Biophysics of Cell-Substrate Interactions Under Shear
In this review article, the authors examine how cells adhere to surfaces and respond to mechanical forces. Cells use complex structures called focal adhesions to sense and react to their environment, including forces fr…
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…
The plasma membrane as a mechanochemical transducer
In this review article, researchers describe how the plasma membrane, the cell's outer boundary, acts as a key sensor for mechanical forces. The membrane senses and responds to physical stresses from its environment, su…
Dermatome and Fasciatome
This theoretical paper proposes a new distinction between the body's sensory maps, based on increased knowledge of fascial innervation. The authors define a "dermatome" as the area of skin and superficial fascia supplie…
Anterior capsular abnormality: another important MRI finding for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
This retrospective study investigated whether abnormalities in the shoulder's anterior joint capsule, seen on MRI scans, can help diagnose adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Researchers compared MRIs from 29 patient…
Adhesive capsulitis: MRI correlation with clinical stages and proposal of MRI staging
This study investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings can reflect the clinical stages of adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers analyzed MRIs from 74 patients, looking for sp…
Role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the development of frozen shoulder: human data and experimental analysis in a rat contracture model
This study investigated the biological processes behind frozen shoulder, a condition characterized by pain and stiffness. Researchers analyzed joint capsule tissue from both patients with frozen shoulder and from a rat…
The Endocannabinoid/Endovanilloid System in Bone: From Osteoporosis to Osteosarcoma
Bone is a dynamic tissue, whose homeostasis is maintained by a fine balance between osteoclast (OC) and osteoblast (OB) activity. The endocannabinoid/endovanilloid (EC/EV) system's receptors are the cannabinoid receptor…
Adhesive capsulitis: review of imaging findings, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options
This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as "frozen shoulder." This debilitating condition, characterized by progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint,…
3D volumetric MR arthrographic assessment of shoulder joint capacity in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis
This study used 3D MR arthrography to measure and compare shoulder joint volume in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) against a healthy control group. Researchers found that the patient group ha…
Role of fasciae in nonspecific low back pain
Research increasingly links the thoracolumbar fascia to non-specific low back pain. This small case study explored the idea that pain could originate elsewhere in the body's continuous fascial network. Five patients wit…
Extracellular matrix composition of connective tissues: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis compiled data to quantify the protein composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in various human connective tissues. Researchers analyzed data from studies on bone, adipose t…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A prophylactic effect of local vibration on quadriceps muscle fatigue in non-athletic males: a randomized controlled trial study
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether local vibration could prevent muscle fatigue. Thirty healthy, non-athletic young men were divided into two groups: one received two minutes of vibration on their qua…
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…
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…
Evaluation of the Structure of Myodural Bridges in an Equine Model of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
This animal study investigated myodural bridges—connective tissue links between small neck muscles and the spinal cord's outer covering (dura mater)—in horses. Researchers compared horses with a genetic connective tissu…
The myodural bridge complex defined as a new functional structure
The myodural bridge is a known connective tissue link between the deep suboccipital muscles and the spinal cord's outermost covering, the dura mater. In this anatomical study, researchers examined its precise structure…
Suboccipital Myodural Bridges Revisited: Application to Cervicogenic Headaches
This anatomical study investigated the connective tissue structures, known as myodural bridges, in the suboccipital region of 30 human fetuses. Researchers identified two types of these bridges connecting muscles at the…
Existence and features of the myodural bridge in Gallus domesticus: indication of its important physiological function
In this anatomical animal study, researchers investigated the existence of the myodural bridge (MDB) in chickens. The MDB is a dense connective tissue that links muscles in the upper neck to the spinal dura mater. The i…
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…
Innervation of the thoracolumbar fascia
This study, conducted primarily on rats, investigated the types of nerves in the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) to better understand its sensory roles. Researchers found only free nerve endings, many of which are associated…
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…
The secret life of proteins
The traditional scientific view has long held that single protein molecules are electrical insulators. However, a recent discovery overturns this belief, suggesting instead that proteins are strong electrical conductors…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Educational Avenues for Promoting Dialog on Fascia
This article argues that fascia is a critically important, yet often overlooked, organ system in healthcare education. The author highlights fascia's diverse roles in pathology, fluid movement, proprioception, pain perc…
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…
Putative Primo-Vascular System in Rabbit Placenta
In this animal study, researchers investigated the primo vascular system (PVS), a proposed network that may play a role in transport, tissue regeneration, and cell migration. While the PVS has been detected in other rab…
Ultrasound Imaging of the Fascial Layers
This publication, for which a full summary is not yet available, appears to discuss using ultrasound to visualize the body's fascial layers. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive technique that provides real-time views o…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Fascial Entrapment Neuropathy
This narrative review explores how fascia can contribute to nerve entrapment syndromes, which cause pain, sensory abnormalities, and weakness. The authors describe how nerves are surrounded by a microenvironment of conn…
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…
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…
Fascia thickness, aging and flexibility: is there an association?
This study investigated how deep fascia thickness relates to age and flexibility in healthy women. Researchers compared a group of young women with a group of older women, using ultrasound to measure fascia thickness 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…
Fascial neuromodulation: an emerging concept linking acupuncture, fasciology, osteopathy and neuroscience
This conceptual paper presents a model called "fascial neuromodulation" to explain how therapies like acupuncture might work. The author suggests that mechanical signals through the fascial network can influence the ner…
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…
Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Pelvic Fascia
This anatomical review describes the pelvis not as a rigid, static base, but as a dynamic structure. Applying a biotensegrity model, the authors explain how the pelvic bones are suspended within a complex web of tension…