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.
An extravascular fluid transport system based on structural framework of fibrous connective tissues in human body
Researchers investigated a potential fluid transport system within the body's fibrous connective tissues, separate from blood and lymphatic vessels. Using fluorescent tracers in cadavers and MRI in volunteers, they visu…
Active interfacial dynamic transport of fluid in a network of fibrous connective tissues throughout the whole body
Interstitial fluid, the fluid in the spaces between our cells, has long been thought to move only over short distances. This study proposes a different view, suggesting that a network of fibrous connective tissues acts…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Structural Gender Dimorphism and the Biomechanics of the Gluteal Subcutaneous Tissue: Implications for the Pathophysiology of Cellulite
This study investigated gender differences in the subcutaneous tissue of the gluteal region to better understand the development of cellulite. Researchers found that men have more and stronger fibrous connections (septa…
Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for the Treatment of Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (Cellulite): A Randomized Trial
This randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of an enzyme injection, collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), for treating cellulite. Researchers treated 375 women with moderate to severe…
A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia in the horse and dog: a detailed histological investigation
This animal study compared the microscopic structure of fascia in horses and dogs across multiple body regions. Researchers found that horse fascia is generally tight and dense, while dog fascia is looser and more simil…
Trigger Points, Pressure Pain Hyperalgesia, and Mechanosensitivity of Neural Tissue in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain
In this case-control study, researchers compared women with chronic pelvic pain to a healthy control group. They found that women with pelvic pain had significantly more myofascial trigger points in their low back, glut…
Ketogenic Diet and Microbiota: Friends or Enemies
This narrative review explores the relationship between the very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) and the gut microbiota. The community of microbes in our gut is a dynamic entity known to play a fundamental role…
Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue
This narrative review explores the link between pro-inflammatory status and chronic disease-related fatigue in conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. While evidence for individual nutrien…
Specific Collagen Peptides in Combination with Resistance Training Improve Body Composition and Regional Muscle Strength in Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of combining resistance training with a daily intake of 15 grams of specific collagen peptides in premenopausal women. Over 12 weeks, participants trained three…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications
This systematic review examined eleven clinical trials investigating the impact of oral collagen supplements on skin health. The findings suggest that collagen hydrolysates and peptides may improve skin elasticity, hydr…
Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
This meta-analysis of five randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluated the impact of oral collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. The findings suggest that collagen may help reduce the overall disea…
Fascial organisation of motor synergies: a hypothesis
This hypothesis paper explores how fascia helps organize movement through what are known as motor synergies. It suggests that instead of the brain controlling every muscle individually, the fascial system acts as a phys…
A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study
This randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a drinkable nutraceutical containing 2.5g of collagen peptides, vitamins, and minerals on skin health in women aged 35 and older. Over twelve weeks,…
Drinking hydrogen water enhances endurance and relieves psychometric fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of drinking hydrogen-infused water (H2 water) before exercise. Across two experiments involving both untrained and trained participants on…
Hyaluronic Acid: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Trajectory
This narrative review explores hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in connective tissues and synovial fluid. HA is essential for joint lubrication and viscoelasticity, but its concentration and m…
Characterization of bony changes localized to the cervical articular processes in a mixed population of horses
This observational cross-sectional study characterized bony changes in the cervical articular processes of 55 horses without primary complaints of neck pain. The researchers found that 72% of the examined joints exhibit…
The Stomach’s Communication with Its Related Acupoints, and the “Intelligent Tissue” Hypothesis
This study explores the "intelligent tissue" hypothesis, which suggests that an organ's functional state is reflected in real-time at specific acupuncture points. By monitoring electrical impedance at six stomach-relate…
Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether regular breakfast consumption affects body weight and energy intake in adults from high-income countries. The findings suggest that individuals who skipped break…
Fasting-Mimicking Diet Modulates Microbiota and Promotes Intestinal Regeneration to Reduce Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathology
This study investigates how cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) affect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in both mice and humans. In animal models, FMD cycles reduced intestinal inflammation, encouraged the growth o…
Fermented Foods: Definitions and Characteristics, Impact on the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Gastrointestinal Health and Disease
This narrative review examines how fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, and sourdough bread affect gut health and the microbiota. The authors describe how the fermentation process creates bioactive compounds and pot…
Vitamin C – A new player in regulation of the cancer epigenome
This narrative review explores the emerging role of vitamin C in cancer treatment, particularly in relation to epigenetics. The authors note that vitamin C is crucial for enzymes that help regulate gene expression, and…
Effects of Plantar Vibration on Bone and Deep Fascia in a Rat Hindlimb Unloading Model of Disuse
This animal study investigated how disuse affects deep fascia and bone, and whether vibration could counteract these effects. Researchers used a rat model where hindlimbs were unloaded for 21 days to simulate disuse, wh…
Fasciae of the musculoskeletal system: normal anatomy and MR patterns of involvement in autoimmune diseases
This review article describes the fascial system as a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue found throughout the body. The authors review the normal anatomy of fascia and its appearance on magnetic resonance…
Ascorbic acid in cancer treatment: let the phoenix fly
This review article discusses the renewed interest in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a potential anti-cancer agent. When administered intravenously, Vitamin C can reach much higher concentrations in the body than when tak…
Fascial tissue research in sports medicine: from molecules to tissue adaptation, injury and diagnostics: consensus statement
This consensus statement reviews the current state of knowledge on fascial tissue in sports medicine. It describes fascia as a body-wide network of connective tissue that integrates all body systems and is crucial for m…
Assessment of pain quality reveals distinct differences between nociceptive innervation of low back fascia and muscle in humans
This study explored whether pain from low back muscles is perceived differently than pain from the overlying fascia. Researchers used electrical stimulation in 16 healthy participants, who then described the induced pai…
Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognized Interstitium in Human Tissues
Using a new imaging technique, researchers identified a previously unrecognized, fluid-filled structure within the body's connective tissues. This network of collagen bundles and fluid-filled spaces, which they term the…
Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Treatment for Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Systematic Review
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of different physiotherapy techniques for treating urinary incontinence in women. Researchers analyzed 16 studies covering methods such as pelvic floor exercises, vagin…
The Equine Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Ligament: an Assessment of Health and Function by Means of Its Damping Harmonic Oscillator Properties, Measured Using an Acoustic Myography System: a New Modality Study
This study in horses explored a new method called acoustic myography (AMG) to help diagnose injuries in the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) of the hindlimb. Researchers used a device to record sound signals from the…
Equine Manual Therapies in Sport Horse Practice
Manual therapies can provide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for assessing and managing neuromuscular coordination and strength in sport horses. This review describes various techniques, including active and passi…
Anatomical and Functional Relationships Between External Abdominal Oblique Muscle and Posterior Layer of Thoracolumbar Fascia
This study investigated the anatomical connection between the external abdominal oblique muscle (EO) and the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in the low back. Using both cadaveric dissection and CT scans, researchers found a…
Depression and anxiety in patients with chronic heart failure
In this review article, the authors discuss the connection between chronic heart failure (CHF), mental health, and diaphragm function. CHF is a serious, progressive condition often accompanied by depression and anxiety.…
Quantification of hyaluronan in human fasciae: variations with function and anatomical site
This study quantified for the first time the amount of hyaluronan (HA), a key lubricant, in human fascia from different parts of the body. Since HA is essential for the smooth gliding between fascial layers, understandi…
Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century Informing Yoga and Physiotherapy Concerning New Findings in Fascia Research
This short article discusses how a new view of anatomy, called biotensegrity, is changing our understanding of the human body. This perspective focuses on fascia as a continuous, interconnected network that creates a un…
The influence of breathing on the central nervous system
This narrative review explores the diaphragm's extensive influence on the central nervous system. The authors discuss how the rhythm of our breath can physically move the brain, alter patterns of neural oscillation, and…
Neuroinflammation and central sensitization in chronic and widespread pain
Chronic pain is partly maintained by central sensitization, a state where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive. This review discusses how neuroinflammation—inflammation in the nervous system—contributes to this pro…
The anatomical relationships of the tongue with the body system
In this review article, the authors examine the tongue's functions and its anatomical connections to the rest of the body. The tongue is not only essential for swallowing, breathing, and speaking, but it also affects po…
Frontiers in fascia research
This article reviews recent developments in fascia research, emphasizing new ways to assess this highly variable tissue. Researchers note that fascia differs greatly between individuals in density, stiffness, and metabo…
Effectiveness of 3-dimensional shoulder ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears
In this meta-analysis, researchers combined data from seven studies involving 282 patients to evaluate the effectiveness of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. The analysis found that 3D ultr…
Emerging Therapies for Spastic Movement Disorders
Spasticity following a central nervous system injury can cause muscle stiffness, partly due to secondary changes in muscles and connective tissue. The 'hyaluronan hypothesis' suggests that an accumulation of hyaluronan,…
A fundamental critique of the fascial distortion model and its application in clinical practice
This narrative review critiques the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), a manual therapy approach based on the idea that all musculoskeletal complaints stem from distortions of fascia. The author investigated the scientific…
The Fasciacytes- A New Cell Devoted To Fascial Gliding Regulation
Researchers have identified a new type of cell within fascia, which they have named "fasciacytes." This study presents evidence that these specialized cells are responsible for producing hyaluronan, a key component of t…
Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability
This randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of specific collagen peptides on athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Fifty athletes received either a daily collagen supplement or a placebo f…
The myodural bridges’ existence in the sperm whale
In this anatomical animal study, researchers examined tissue from a sperm whale to see if it possessed a myodural bridge, a connection between the neck muscles and the dura mater previously identified in humans. The inv…
Low-Intensity Vibration Improves Muscle Healing in a Mouse Model of Laceration Injury
In this animal study, researchers investigated if low-intensity vibration (LIV) could improve healing of lacerated calf muscles in mice. The mice were divided into groups that received daily vibration treatment and a co…
Low intensity vibration increases cartilage thickness in obese mice
This animal study investigated if a high-fat diet affected cartilage thickness in mice and if low-intensity vibration (LIV) could offer protection. Contrary to expectations, the high-fat diet alone did not significantly…
The myodural bridge in the common rock pigeon (Columbia livia): Morphology and possible physiological implications
In this anatomical study on pigeons, researchers investigated a connective tissue structure called the myodural bridge. Through dissections and tissue analysis of the suboccipital region where the skull meets the neck,…
Orientation and property of fibers of the myodural bridge in humans
The myodural bridge is a fibrous connection between the deep suboccipital muscles of the neck and the spinal dura mater, the tough outer covering of the spinal cord. In this anatomical study, researchers investigated th…
Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits
This narrative review explores resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grape skins, red wine, and various plants. Research suggests that this compound possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiop…