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.
Ultra-processed foods and food additives in gut health and disease
This narrative review examines the link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs), food additives, and gastrointestinal health. Research suggests that diets high in UPFs are associated with an increased risk of inflammatory…
B-Group Vitamins as Potential Prebiotic Candidates: Their Effects on the Human Gut Microbiome
This narrative review explores whether B-group vitamins can act as prebiotics by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The authors discuss how B-vitamins that are not absorbed in the small intestine can reach…
Therapeutic applications of gut microbes in cardiometabolic diseases: current state and perspectives
This narrative review explores the relationship between gut microbiota and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), such as hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The authors describe how gut microbes and their metabolites…
Gut-Brain Interactions and Their Impact on Astrocytes in the Context of Multiple Sclerosis and Beyond
This narrative review explores how the interaction between the gut microbiome and the brain influences the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers describe how imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to bact…
The Combined Effect of Static Stretching and Foam Rolling With or Without Vibration on the Range of Motion, Muscle Performance, and Tissue Hardness of the Knee Extensor
This study investigated how the order of static stretching (SS) and foam rolling (FR), with or without vibration, affects range of motion, muscle strength, and tissue hardness in the quadriceps. The results showed that…
Functional organization of extracellular hyaluronan, CD44 and RHAMM
In this comprehensive review, the authors explore how hyaluronan (HA) and its receptors, CD44 and RHAMM, organize the space immediately surrounding cells. In healthy tissue, these components maintain a stable environmen…
Pain quality patterns in delayed onset muscle soreness of the lower back suggest sensitization of fascia rather than muscle aferents: a secondary analysis study
This study investigated whether delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the lower back originates from the muscles or the surrounding connective tissue (fascia). Researchers had participants perform fatiguing back exerc…
Fasting-mimicking diet synergizes with ferroptosis against quiescent, chemotherapy-resistant cells
This study investigates how a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) affects colorectal cancer cells, particularly those resistant to chemotherapy. Researchers found that while fasting slows tumor growth, it can also cause cancer…
The Cognitive and Emotional Aspect in Fibromyalgia: The Importance of the Orofacial Sphere
This narrative review explores the link between fibromyalgia and issues in the orofacial region, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontitis. The authors suggest that oral inflammation may contribu…
A New Player in the Mechanobiology of Deep Fascia: Yes-Associated Protein (YAP)
This study investigated the role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the mechanobiology of deep fascia, specifically the thoracolumbar fascia. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from patients and found that YAP acts as…
What's old is new again: The anatomical studies of Franklin P. Mall and the fascial-interstitial spaces
Franklin Mall was a pioneering anatomist at the turn of the 19th century whose work is being rediscovered in light of modern fascia research. He studied under Wilhelm His and Carl Ludwig, learning to integrate anatomy w…
Fasting and fasting mimicking diets in cancer prevention and therapy
This review explores how cycles of fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) may aid in cancer prevention and therapy. FMDs are designed to be safer and more manageable than water-only fasting while potentially protecting healthy c…
Immediate Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Hydration Content in Lumbar Myofascial Tissues: A Quasi-Experiment
This quasi-experimental study investigated how instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) affects the hydration levels of the lumbar fascia in 21 healthy volunteers. Researchers used bioimpedance analysis to t…
The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of craniosacral therapy on blood levels of the stress hormones cortisol and CRH in 57 male firefighter cadets. Participants were assigned to either a treatment grou…
Bioelectronic microfluidic wound healing: a platform for investigating direct current stimulation of injured cell collectives
This study investigates how electrical stimulation can accelerate wound healing by mimicking the body's natural electric fields. Researchers developed a bioelectronic microfluidic platform to test the effects of direct…
Dietary patterns and cardiometabolic health: Clinical evidence and mechanism
This narrative review examines how various dietary patterns influence cardiometabolic health and disease prevention. The researchers emphasize that healthy eating habits, such as the Mediterranean or plant-based diets,…
The Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on Health and Gut Microbiota
This review explores how the Mediterranean Diet, rich in plants, fibers, and olive oil, influences overall health and the gut microbiota. Research suggests that the diet is associated with improved longevity and a reduc…
The Osteopath's Imprint: Osteopathic Medicine Under the Nanoscopic Lens
This theoretical article explores the cellular effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) from a new perspective. Traditionally, the benefits of OMT are explained through neurological, vascular, and other physi…
Effectiveness of visceral fascial therapy targeting visceral dysfunctions outcome: systematic review of randomized controlled trials
This systematic review evaluated 11 randomized controlled trials to investigate the effectiveness of visceral fascial therapy for various health conditions. The results suggest that the therapy may help reduce long-term…
Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Mental Health in University Students
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and mental health among 480 university students in Saudi Arabia. The findings revealed that nearly 60% of participants were vitamin D…
The application and trend of ultra-weak photon emission in biology and medicine
This review article examines ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), a phenomenon where living organisms emit extremely faint light as part of their biological functions. Research has shifted from understanding basic mechanis…
Regulation of gut microbiota by vitamin C, vitamin E and β-carotene
This review article summarizes research on how the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene influence the gut microbiota. By analyzing 19 studies, the authors found that these nutrients may alter the compositio…
Change in gliding properties of the iliotibial tract in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
This study used ultrasonography to examine the gliding properties of the iliotibial tract (ITT) in individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Researchers found that the shear strain, which represents ho…
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)-Physiological Response and Its Potential in Trauma Treatment
This narrative review examines the use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) as a non-invasive method to promote healing in trauma, primarily within orthopedics. Despite decades of research and observed positive clini…
Blood supply to the superficial fascia of the abdomen:An anatomical study
This anatomical study investigated the blood supply to Scarpa's fascia, the superficial fascia of the abdominal wall, using tissue samples from seven volunteers. The researchers demonstrated that this fascia is a highly…
H2 Inhibits the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
This study investigates how molecular hydrogen (H2) may inhibit the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are web-like DNA structures released by the immune system. While NETs help fight infections,…
The Olympic motto through the lens of equestrian sports
This feature article examines the biomechanics of horses across the three Olympic equestrian disciplines: eventing, show jumping, and dressage. The authors describe how the equine body adapts to meet demands for speed,…
Evidence of Renin-Angiotensin System Receptors in Deep Fascia: A Role in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Fibrogenesis?
This study investigated the presence of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in the deep fascia, specifically the thoracolumbar fascia of the lower back. Researchers found that receptors for angiotensin II, particu…
Innervation of human superficial fascia
This study examined the superficial fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue within the skin's fat layer, to understand its nerve supply. Researchers found that this tissue is densely packed with nerves, particularly a…
The effect of low-intensity whole-body vibration with or without high-intensity resistance and impact training on risk factors for proximal femur fragility fracture in postmenopausal women with low bone mass: study protocol for the VIBMOR randomized controlled trial
This document outlines the plan for a clinical trial investigating non-drug approaches for low bone mass in postmenopausal women. The study will compare the effects of low-intensity whole-body vibration, high-intensity…
Differential Sensitization of Muscle versus Fascia in Individuals with Low Back Pain
This clinical study investigated pain sensitivity in both muscle and deep fascia among individuals with low back pain compared to healthy controls. Using ultrasound-guided needling of the quadratus lumborum muscle and i…
Pilot study assessing the effect of Fascial Manipulation on fascial densifications and associated pain
This pilot study investigated if Fascial Manipulation (FM) could reduce the thickness of fascial densifications and the acute pain associated with them. Researchers used ultrasound to measure densifications and asked pa…
The Flares of Low back pain with Activity Research Study (FLAReS): study protocol for a case-crossover study nested within a cohort study
This study protocol describes the FLAReS project, which aims to clarify the complex relationship between physical activity and low back pain flares. The researchers intend to distinguish between transient, short-term ef…
Effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits
This animal study explored how different intensities of vibration affect rabbit skeletal muscle at a cellular level. Researchers applied low, medium, or high-intensity vibration to the hind limbs of rabbits for 45 days.…
Interdisciplinarity and mechanobiology
Mechanobiology is an interdisciplinary field that studies how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. In this article, pioneers Donald Ingber and Dino Di Carlo discuss how physical forces infl…
Local Estrogen Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed seven randomized controlled trials to evaluate the impact of local estrogen therapy on pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that while the…
Fetal Fascial Reinforcement Development: From “a White Tablet” to a Sculpted Precise Organization by Movement
This study examined the development of fascia and retinacula (connective tissue reinforcements) in six human fetuses between 24 and 40 weeks of gestation. The researchers found that deep fascia initially lacks organized…
The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review
This narrative review explores the deep fascia, a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The researchers identified five common conditions associated with fascia…
Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression
This literature review examines the risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD), a condition affecting 10–15% of new mothers globally. The research suggests that factors such as a history of psychiatric illness, lack o…
Hyaluronan homeostasis and its role in pain and muscle stiffness
This narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in the musculoskeletal system. HA is a key component of the extracellular matrix in muscles and fascia, where it normally functions as a lubricant and shock abs…
Performance of Swedish Warmblood fragile foal syndrome carriers and breeding prospects
This research article investigated the prevalence of Warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) in Swedish Warmblood horses and its potential link to performance. WFFS is a lethal genetic defect affecting collagen stability…
Piezo1 Channels as Force Sensors in Mechanical Force-Related Chronic Inflammation
This narrative review explores the role of Piezo1 ion channels as mechanical sensors that link physical force to chronic inflammation. Piezo1 channels open in response to stimuli like pressure, stretch, and tissue stiff…
Mechanosensing by Piezo1 and its implications for physiology and various pathologies
This narrative review explores Piezo1, a specialized ion channel that senses mechanical pressure and converts it into biological signals within the body. These channels are widely distributed in tissues such as blood ve…
The Effects of Aging on the Intramuscular Connective Tissue
This study investigated how intramuscular connective tissue changes with age in both humans and mice. Researchers found that the amount of stiff collagen (Type I) increases significantly with age, while levels of hyalur…
Fascial Innervation: A Systematic Review of the Literature
This systematic review examines current evidence regarding the innervation of deep fascia and its potential role in myofascial pain. The findings suggest that fascia is not merely an inert wrapping but a sophisticated s…
Magnetic fields induce exclusion zones in water
This study explores how static magnetic fields influence water by creating "exclusion zones" (EZ), areas where particles are pushed away from the magnet's poles. Researchers observed that these zones form at both the no…
Effect of Ground and Raised Poles on Kinematics of the Walk
This study investigated how horses are affected by walking over ground poles and raised poles compared to walking on flat ground. The results suggest that polework increases joint range of motion through enhanced limb f…
Making Connections to Improve Health Outcomes
In this editorial, Helene M. Langevin discusses the importance of whole person health, viewing the individual as an interconnected system rather than a collection of isolated organs. She argues that biomedical research…
Myofascial Tissue and Depression
This research investigated the link between myofascial tissue and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) through two distinct studies. The first study found that patients with depression exhibited significantly higher stiffnes…
Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review
This narrative review examines how lifestyle factors influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research suggests that smoking, an unhealthy diet, and obesity increase the risk of developing…
Primo Vascular System: Before the Past, Bizarre Present and Peek After the Future
This theoretical review explores the Primo Vascular System (PVS), a proposed network of channels suggested to carry information throughout the body via weak electromagnetic radiation. The author discusses the system's h…
Intramuscular connective tissue content and mechanical properties: Influence of aging and physical activity in mice
This animal study on mice investigated how aging and physical activity affect intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT). Researchers found that IMCT became thicker and stiffer with age, accompanied by an increase in advanc…
Fasting-Mimicking Diet Is Safe and Reshapes Metabolism and Antitumor Immunity in Patients with Cancer
This clinical trial investigated the safety and biological effects of a five-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) in 101 cancer patients receiving standard treatments. The results suggest that the diet is safe and leads to…
Immediate Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Fascial Fibroblasts: An In Vitro Study
This in vitro study investigated how extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) affects human fascial fibroblasts in a laboratory setting. Researchers found that immediately after treatment, the cells began producing smal…
Resveratrol Enhances the Cytotoxic Activity of Lymphocytes from Menopausal Women
This in vitro study investigated how resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes and other plants, affects the immune system of postmenopausal women. Researchers isolated lymphocytes from 13 women and co-cultured…
Osteogenic effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and whole-body vibration on peri-implant bone. An experimental in vivo study
This animal study in rats investigated whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and whole-body vibration (WBV) could improve bone healing around titanium implants. Researchers compared the effects of LIPUS alone,…
Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 2
This conceptual article addresses the ongoing debate about how to classify and name fascia. The authors suggest that progress is hindered because the discussion is often limited to a few scientific specialties and can b…
An acupoint-originated human interstitial fluid circulatory network
Details from this study have not yet been summarized. The study's title is "An acupoint-originated human interstitial fluid circulatory network". This title suggests the authors are proposing a circulatory network for i…
Impaired Lymphatic Drainage and Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis in Chronic Musculoskeletal and Idiopathic Pain Syndromes: Exploring a Novel Mechanism
In this theoretical paper, the authors propose a potential mechanism for chronic pain syndromes. They hypothesize that impaired lymphatic drainage following trauma or an immune response can trap inflammatory substances…
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This dissection study on 44 horses investigated the deep myofascial kinetic lines, which are continuous chains of connective tissue and muscle. Researchers verified the existence of a Deep Ventral Line (DVL) in horses,…