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.
Anatomy of the Superficial Fascia System of the Breast: A Comprehensive Theory of Breast Fascial Anatomy
This study investigated the three-dimensional fascial structure of the breast through 12 cadaver dissections and clinical observations during surgery. The researchers identified a closed system of fascia and fat that su…
Release of fascial compartment boundaries reduces muscle force output
In this animal study, researchers investigated how the fascial sheets that enclose muscles affect their function. They surgically removed the fascia from a wing muscle in wild turkeys to see how it changed the muscle's…
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…
Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Type III and Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type): Clinical Description and Natural History
This 2017 review summarizes the clinical understanding of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), thought to be the most common hereditary disorder of connective tissue. It is primarily characterized by musculoskelet…
Concurrent validity of pain scales in individuals with myofascial pain and fibromyalgia
Researchers investigated the reliability of two common tools for measuring pain: the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), where patients rate pain from 0 to 10, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The study included 60 part…
Acoustic wave therapy for cellulite, body shaping and fat reduction
This study evaluated the efficacy of acoustic wave therapy (AWT) for cellulite and body shaping. Thirty women with moderate to severe cellulite underwent 12 treatment sessions on the glutes and thighs over six weeks. Th…
Shielding of the geomagnetic field reduces hydrogen peroxide production in human neuroblastoma cell and inhibits the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase
This study investigates how an extremely weak magnetic field, similar to conditions in outer space or shielded environments on Earth, affects human cells. Researchers found that shielding the natural geomagnetic field r…
CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?
This retrospective study investigated whether signs of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) typically seen on MRI could also be identified using CT arthrography (CTA). Researchers compared CTA scans from 22 patients wi…
Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Activation and Function
In this scientific review, the authors discuss how magnesium and vitamin D work together in the body. Magnesium acts as a cofactor, meaning it helps activate the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D in the liver and kidney…
Mechanical Properties of the Cytoskeleton and Cells
In this review article, the authors describe the cytoskeleton, which is the cell's main mechanical structure. It is a complex and dynamic network of biopolymers that includes microtubules, actin, and intermediate filame…
Effects of vitamin C supplementation on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
This systematic review and meta-analysis compiled data from 22 randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation on glycemic control. Overall, the researchers found no significant effect on…
Fibromyalgia and microglial TNF-α: Translational research using human blood induced microglia-like cells
Researchers are investigating the role of brain immune cells called microglia in fibromyalgia. This study used a new technique to create microglia-like cells from the blood of people with fibromyalgia and healthy indivi…
Early versus Delayed Rehabilitation after Acute Muscle Injury
This research entry, titled "Early versus Delayed Rehabilitation after Acute Muscle Injury," is currently awaiting a detailed summary. The title suggests it explores the optimal timing for starting rehabilitation follow…
Evidence of both systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients, as assessed by a multiplex protein panel applied to the cerebrospinal fluid and to plasma
This study investigated signs of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia (FM). Researchers analyzed 92 different inflammation-related proteins in both blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid from 40 FM patients, comparing…
Non-contrast MRI diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
This study investigated whether a standard MRI without contrast dye could be used to reliably diagnose adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers reviewed MRIs for specific signs, such as a thickene…
Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study
In this retrospective before-after study, researchers investigated the effect of a combination therapy of intravenous vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. They compar…
Resveratrol regulates body weight in healthy and ovariectomized rats
This animal study on rats investigated how the plant compound resveratrol affects body weight in both healthy subjects and those who had undergone ovariectomy, a model for menopause. The results suggest that resveratrol…
Correlations of magnetic resonance imaging findings with clinical symptom severity and prognosis of frozen shoulder
Researchers used a specific type of MRI (indirect MR arthrography) to examine the shoulders of 52 people with frozen shoulder and 52 without. They found that certain features, like thickening and inflammation-related ch…
Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder Joint: Value of Glenohumeral Distance on Magnetic Resonance Arthrography
Researchers investigated a new way to help diagnose adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) using a specific type of MRI called MR arthrography. They measured the distance between the ball and socket of the shoulder joint…
Resveratrol Treatment Normalizes the Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats
This animal study on rats investigated how resveratrol affects blood pressure and vascular function during estrogen deficiency, mimicking post-menopausal conditions. Researchers found that a lack of estrogen led to high…
Proinflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress Decrease the Transport of Dopamine Precursor Tyrosine in Human Fibroblasts
This laboratory study investigated how inflammation and oxidative stress affect the transport of the amino acid tyrosine in human fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell. Tyrosine is a crucial precursor for the ne…
The Application of Acoustic Myography in Canine Muscle Function and Performance Testing
This animal study on 11 Labrador dogs used acoustic myography (AMG) to measure muscle activity during walking and trotting. Researchers focused on two muscles, the m. gluteus superficialis and m. longissimus lumborum, t…
A New Definition of an Acupuncture Meridian
This perspective article proposes a new definition of acupuncture meridians, moving away from the idea of dedicated anatomical vessels. The author suggests that meridians are actually tracts of tissue that become affect…
Does the vaginal wall become thinner as prolapse grade increases?
This study investigated the relationship between vaginal wall thickness and the severity of pelvic organ prolapse. Researchers used ultrasound to measure the vaginal walls of 243 women with symptomatic prolapse. They fo…
Emotions in Motion: Myofascial Interoception
In this perspective piece, the authors argue that the myofascial system is closely linked to our emotional state. They suggest that manual treatment not only affects the body physically but also activates the interocept…
The effect of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage
This study investigated whether vibration stimulation before or after exercise could reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Thirty healthy men were divided into three groups: one receiving vibration before exercise, one…
Resveratrol supplementation reduces pain experience by postmenopausal women
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether resveratrol supplementation could reduce pain and improve well-being in postmenopausal women. Over 14 weeks, participants taking 75 mg of resv…
Vitamin C Status Correlates with Markers of Metabolic and Cognitive Health in 50-Year-Olds: Findings of the CHALICE Cohort Study
This cohort study examined vitamin C status in 404 fifty-year-olds in New Zealand. Researchers measured the concentration of vitamin C in participants' blood plasma as well as their dietary intake. The results showed th…
EFFECT OF MATRIX RHYTHM THERAPY (MRT) COMBINED WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN FROZEN SHOULDER – A CASE REPORT
This case report describes the treatment of a 52-year-old man with a painful and stiff right shoulder, diagnosed as frozen shoulder. His condition also involved tendinosis, bursitis, and osteoarthritic changes. The pati…
The nature and biology of basement membranes
This review article discusses the nature and biology of basement membranes. These are thin, flexible sheets of tissue that line and separate different structures in the body. Once thought to be just passive scaffolding,…
A Curious Oversight in Acupuncture Research
In this perspective article, the author argues that current acupuncture hypotheses overlook a crucial factor: the speed at which the treatment takes effect. Observations suggest that communication between acupoints and…
Mechanical properties of a collagen fibril under simulated degradation
This study used computer simulations to investigate how collagen fibrils lose their strength. Researchers modeled three different types of degradation: the removal of cross-links, surface damage, and damage throughout t…
The second terminations of the suboccipital muscles: An assistant pivot for the To Be Named Ligament
In this anatomical dissection study of 35 head-neck specimens, researchers investigated small muscle attachments in the suboccipital region. The scientists confirmed the existence of "second terminations" from several s…
The universal existence of myodural bridge in mammals: an indication of a necessary function
The myodural bridge is a connective tissue structure linking one of the deep, upper neck muscles to the spinal dura mater. This anatomical study investigated whether this structure, known in humans, also exists in other…
The myodural bridge existing in the Nephocaena phocaenoides
The myodural bridge is a connection between a small neck muscle and the spinal cord's outer covering (the dura mater) previously identified in humans. In this anatomical animal study, researchers investigated whether a…
What's in a name: Myofascial Release or Myofascial Induction?
This commentary discusses two terms for a similar manual therapy technique: Myofascial Release (MFR) and Myofascial Induction Therapy (MIT). The author notes that while the techniques are virtually identical, the names…
Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application
This narrative review explores the mechanisms and practical use of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) for treating soft tissue injuries. IASTM involves using specialized tools to apply mechanical press…
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
This cadaver study investigated the connection between a small neck muscle (Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor, RCPMi) and the spinal dura mater. Researchers used both microscopic analysis and biomechanical testing to clari…
Implications of immune dysfunction on endometriosis associated infertility
This literature review explores the link between endometriosis and infertility, a common issue for which the cause is not fully understood. The authors suggest that dysfunction in the immune system plays a significant r…
Massage therapy research review
This review summarizes research showing beneficial effects of massage therapy for a wide range of conditions, including prenatal depression, pain syndromes, autoimmune conditions, and issues related to aging. The author…
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
This commentary proposes a model of fascia not as layers, but as a network of polyhedral microvacuoles of connective tissue. These structures connect the body's systems and can change shape in response to tension, allow…
Molecular insights into prolyl and lysyl hydroxylation of fibrillar collagens in health and disease
This narrative review provides an updated overview of the complex process of creating mature collagen. The formation of collagen fibrils from precursor molecules involves many enzymes and chaperones in a series of steps…
Muscle strength and stiffness in resistance exercise: Force transmission in tissues
Researchers used a mathematical model to estimate how forces are transmitted through the quadriceps muscle during isometric resistance exercises. They specifically looked at how knee angle affects muscle stiffness, stre…
Oxidative Stress and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
This systematic review explores the connection between oxidative stress and endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility. Oxidative stress is an imbalance b…
Telocytes: Connective tissue repair and communication cells
This commentary highlights a newly identified type of connective tissue cell called a telocyte. We already know that other cells, like fibroblasts, respond to mechanical forces from manual therapy, influencing tissue re…
The significance of closed kinematic chains to biological movement and dynamic stability
Biomechanical research has long focused on the body as a system of levers, but this review highlights the importance of "closed kinematic chains" (CKCs). These are continuous mechanical loops that couple multiple parts…
Evaluation of fascial manipulation in carpal tunnel syndrome
Details for this study are not yet available. The research, published in 2017, appears to evaluate the effectiveness of Fascial Manipulation® for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Without an abstract, further details abo…
Theoretical study of aerobic vitamin C loss kinetics during commercial heat preservation and storage
This theoretical study presents a mathematical model to describe how vitamin C is lost in food during commercial heat processing and storage. The model accounts for the degradation of two forms of the vitamin, ascorbic…
Amino acid composition in determination of collagen origin and assessment of physical factors effects
This study examines the amino acid composition of collagen derived from various sources, including fish skin, bovine Achilles tendon, and bone tissue. The researchers found that the levels of hydroxyproline, a unique am…
Vitamin C for preventing atrial fibrillation in high risk patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 15 trials to see if vitamin C could prevent atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. The analysis, involving over 2000 subjects, found inconsistent results depending o…
Activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) by selective agonists regulates the deposition and remodelling of the extracellular matrix
This in vitro study investigated how activating the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) affects scar formation in eye connective tissue after surgery. Researchers found that human Tenon’s fibroblasts express these recept…
Identification of a new subset of lymph node stromal cells involved in regulating plasma cell homeostasis
This study investigated how antibody-producing plasma cells are supported within lymph nodes. Researchers identified a specific type of connective tissue cell, a medullary fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC), that forms a…
S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis: A systematic review
This systematic review examines the role of the protein S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis. S100A4 is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key process that allows cancer cells to spread. The aut…
All you need to know about the AIP diet
This article reviews the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which aims to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of autoimmune disorders. The diet is based on the idea that problems with the gut wall, sometimes called 'l…
X-Rays Effects on Cytoskeleton Mechanics of Healthy and Tumor Cells
This study investigated how X-ray radiation affects the internal structure, or cytoskeleton, of both healthy cells and tumor cells in a lab setting. Researchers exposed both cell types to different doses of radiation an…
Hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in critically ill patients despite recommended enteral and parenteral intakes
This study investigated vitamin C levels in 44 critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers found that most patients had low vitamin C levels (hypovitaminosis C), and one-third were severely defi…
Reconnecting the Body in Eastern and Western Medicine
Details for this 2017 publication, titled 'Reconnecting the Body in Eastern and Western Medicine' by Helene M. Langevin and Rosa N. Schnyer, have not yet been summarized. The title suggests a discussion comparing and in…