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.
- 1A+2019
Fascia Is Able to Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation
Robert Schleip, G Gabbiani, Jan Wilke, I Naylor, B Hinz, A Zorn, Heike Jäger, R Breul, S Schreiner, Werner KlinglerThis 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…
Connective tissuestiffnessmyofibroblastscontractilitycontracture - A++2019
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations After the Ingestion of Dairy and Collagen Proteins, in Healthy Active Males
Rebekah D Alcock, Gregory C Shaw, Nicolin Tee, Louise M BurkeThis 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…
Connective tissuetendonligamentprolineleucine - A2018
New Proposal to Define the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Roberto Castagna, Beatrice Sacconi, Paul MazzuccoIn this proposal, the authors suggest a new definition for the fascial system, noting that a universally accepted one does not yet exist. They argue for including the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) based on functio…
fasciaConnective tissuefibroblastMyofascialSkin - A2018
The myodural bridge in the common rock pigeon (Columbia livia): Morphology and possible physiological implications
Chukwuemeka Samuel Okoye, Nan Zheng, Sheng-Bo Yu, Hong-Jin SuiIn 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,…
Connective tissuecerebrospinal fluiddura materbirdhistological sections - 1A+2018
Effect of Stretching on Thoracolumbar Fascia Injury and Movement Restriction in a Porcine Model
H M Langevin, J Bishop, R Maple, G J Badger, J R FoxIn this animal study on pigs, researchers investigated the effect of stretching on the thoracolumbar fascia after injury and movement restriction. An injury combined with restricted movement led to reduced fascial mobil…
fasciaConnective tissueStretchingManual TherapyMovement Therapy - A2016
Human Recombinant Hyaluronidase Injections For Upper Limb Muscle Stiffness in Individuals With Cerebral Injury: A Case Series
Preeti Raghavan, Ying Lu, Mona Mirchandani, Antonio SteccoThis case series investigated injections of the enzyme hyaluronidase to treat upper limb muscle stiffness in 20 individuals with cerebral injury. The researchers hypothesized that an accumulation of hyaluronan in the mu…
fasciaConnective tissueStrokeHypertoniaspasticity - A2016
A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura Mater
Luis Palomeque-del-Cerro, Luis A Arráez-Aybar, Cleofás Rodriguez-Blanco, Rafael Guzmán-Garcia, Mar Menendez-Aparicio, Á…In this systematic review, researchers compiled data from 26 studies to investigate direct soft-tissue connections between neck muscles and the dura mater, the outermost membrane surrounding the spinal cord. The analysi…
fasciaConnective tissueproprioceptionSpineAnatomy - B2016
Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology
Helene M Langevin, Patricia Keely, Jun Mao, Lisa M Hodge, Robert Schleip, Gary Deng, Boris Hinz, Melody A Swartz, Bever…Many cancer patients use complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, and yoga to improve their quality of life. This review article suggests these treatments may have further benefits by affecting the body's conn…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancerConnective tissue - A2014
Fascia—Current knowledge and future directions in physiatry: Narrative review
E H Kwong, T W FindleyIn this 2014 narrative review, the authors discuss fascia from the perspective of physiatry, or rehabilitation medicine. They note that while fascia is part of the body's connective tissue, its definition is unclear in…
fasciaHyaluronic acidConnective tissuefibroblastmechanotransduction - 1A+2014
The Medium of Haptic Perception: A Tensegrity Hypothesis
Michael T Turvey, Sérgio T FonsecaIn this theoretical paper, the authors propose a new hypothesis for how our sense of touch, or haptic perception, works. Unlike other senses that have a clear medium (like air for sound), the haptic system lacks one. Th…
fasciaConnective tissuecytoskeletonhaptic systemmultifractal tensegrity - 1A+2014
Painful Connections: Densification Versus Fibrosis of Fascia
P G Pavan, Antonio Stecco, R Stern, Carla SteccoIn this review article, the authors describe two types of fascial changes that can cause pain: densification and fibrosis. Densification is described as a reversible alteration in the viscosity of the loose connective t…
hyaluronanfasciafibrosisdensificationConnective tissue - 1A+2014
Peripheral Mechanisms Contributing to Spasticity and Implications for Treatment
Antonio Stecco, Carla Stecco, P RaghavanThis narrative review explores how changes in connective tissue might contribute to spasticity following a central nervous system injury. The authors suggest that the initial injury can alter the turnover of hyaluronic…
fasciaConnective tissueStrokeCerebral palsyHypertonia - A2013
Cellular Control of Connective Tissue Matrix Tension
H M Langevin, M Nedergaard, A HoweThis review article explores how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, actively help regulate tissue tension. Traditionally, the mechanical properties of connective tissue have been attributed to its passive…
Connective tissuefibroblastmechanicalatpcytoskeleton - A2013
Cellulite's aetiology: a review
M de la Casa Almeida, Suarez Serrano, J Rebollo Roldán, J J Jiménez RejanoIn this literature review, researchers examined the underlying causes of cellulite. They found that cellulite is a complex phenomenon with many interacting factors, rather than a single cause. The research points to wom…
Connective tissuecellulites - 1A+2012
Stretching of the Back Improves Gait, Mechanical Sensitivity and Connective Tissue Inflammation in a Rodent Model
S M Corey, M A Vizzard, N A Bouffard, G J Badger, H M LangevinIn this rodent study, researchers investigated how stretching affects inflammation in the connective tissue of the low back. They first induced local inflammation, which resulted in altered gait, increased mechanical se…
fasciaConnective tissueStretchingManual TherapyMovement Therapy - B2012
Fascia: a morphological description and classification system based on a literature review
Myroslava Kumka, Jason BonarIn this literature review, the authors address the historical problem of ambiguous and inconsistent terminology for fascia. Based on a review of existing research, they propose a new system for classifying fascia accord…
fasciaConnective tissueManual TherapyterminologyAnatomy - A2011
Fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling contributes to connective tissue tension
H M Langevin, N A Bouffard, J R Fox, B M Palmer, J Wu, J C Iatridis, W D Barnes, G J Badger, A K HoweThe mechanical properties of connective tissue, such as its elasticity and resistance, have traditionally been attributed to its non-cellular matrix. This study investigated the role of fibroblasts, the cells residing w…
fasciaConnective tissuefibroblastcytoskeletal remodeling - B2011
Fascia redefined: anatomical features and technical relevance in fascial flap surgery
Carla Stecco, Cesare Tiengo, Antonio Stecco, Andrea Porzionato, Veronica Macchi, Robert Stern, Raffaele De CaroFascia has traditionally been seen as a passive wrapping, but this review redefines it as a dynamic tissue with its own complex blood supply and innervation. The authors detail the specific characteristics of different…
hyaluronanfasciaConnective tissueaponeurosisFlaps - A2011
Pandiculation: Nature’s way of maintaining the functional integrity of the myofascial system?
Luiz Fernando BertolucciThis paper explores the hypothesis that pandiculation—the involuntary stretching and yawning most animals do upon waking—serves a key role for the locomotor system. Beyond preparing the nervous system for wakefulness, t…
fasciaConnective tissuemyofasciayawningsleep-wake rhythm - A2011
Dynamic fascial release and the role of mechanical/vibrational assist devices in manual therapies
Zachary ComeauxThis review article explores the use of mechanical vibration devices in manual therapy. The author examines several such tools, including percussion vibrators, vibrational platforms, and deep tissue oscillation. The art…
fasciaConnective tissuevibrationpercussion vibrationtonic vibratory reflex - A2011
Sensory Innervation of the Nonspecialized Connective Tissues in the Low Back of the Rat
Sarah M Corey, Margaret A Vizzard, Gary J Badger, Helene M LangevinIn this animal study, researchers investigated the sensory nerves in the nonspecialized connective tissue of the rat low back, an area where knowledge is limited. Using 3D reconstruction and dye-labeling techniques, the…
fasciaConnective tissueinnervationlow back painmusculoskeletal pain - A2010
Edema and fluid dynamics in connective tissue remodelling
Rolf K Reed, Åsa Lidén, Kristofer RubinThis review describes the role of loose connective tissues, focusing on fluid exchange across capillaries and the formation of edema (swelling). This process is relevant for conditions like inflammation, fibrosis (scarr…
inflammationLoose connective tissueConnective tissueheartEdema - A2010
3D reconstruction of the crural and thoracolumbar fasciae
L Benetazzo, A Bizzego, R De Caro, G Frigo, D Guidolin, Carla SteccoResearchers created detailed 3D computer models to visualize the structure of the crural fascia in the lower leg and the superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia in the lower back. They found the crural fascia is c…
Connective tissuecollagenThoracolumbar fasciacrural fascia3D models - A2010
Transcapillary exchange: role and importance of the interstitial fluid pressure and the extracellular matrix
Rolf K Reed, Kristofer RubinThis narrative review discusses how the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the pressure of its fluid (interstitial fluid pressure, or Pif) regulate fluid exchange with capillaries. Conventionally, this pressure is seen as a…
inflammationConnective tissueglycosaminoglycansbeta-Integrin receptors - A2010
How much time is required to modify a fascial fibrosis?
Ercole Borgini, Antonio Stecco, Julie Ann Day, Carla SteccoThis study investigated how long it takes for manual therapy to alter a palpable sensation of fascial "fibrosis" and reduce discomfort. Researchers worked with 40 people experiencing low back pain, applying the Fascial…
fasciaConnective tissueManual Therapylow back painManipulation - B2010
Force Transmission between Synergistic Skeletal Muscles through Connective Tissue Linkages
Huub Maas, Thomas G SandercockThis review examines how force is transmitted between neighboring muscles through their shared connective tissue. Traditionally, muscles were seen as independent units pulling on bones via tendons, but emerging research…
Connective tissueForce transmissionepimuscular