Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studies- 1A+2014
Hyaluronan: Biosynthesis and signaling
D Vigetti, E Karousou, M Viola, S Deleonibus, G De Luca, A PassiThis 2014 narrative review discusses hyaluronan (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix. Beyond its structural role in tissue hydration and architecture, HA is an active signaling molecule. The authors highlig…
extracellular matrixGlycosaminoglycanAMPKO-GlcNacylationHyaluronan receptor - 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 - 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+2013
Fascial Components of the Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Antonio Stecco, M Gesi, Carla Stecco, R SternMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) involves muscle pain and other symptoms linked to trigger points, but the role of fascia is often overlooked. This review summarizes recent research into the biology of fascia to better un…
fasciaHyaluronic aciddensificationMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS)Myofascial trigger - 1A+2013
Stress and Matrix-Responsive Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Fibroblasts
R D Abbott, C Koptiuch, J C Iatridis, A K Howe, G J Badger, H M LangevinIn loose connective tissue, fibroblasts change shape in response to static stretch, which helps the tissue relax. This study investigated whether this response depends on the cell itself or its surrounding environment,…
Fibroblasts; cytoskeleton; dense connective tissue; areolar connective tissue; mechanotransduction - 1A+2013
History of Bioelectrical Study and the Electrophysiology of the Primo Vascular System
Sang Hyun Park, Eung Hwi Kim, Ho Jong Chang, Seung Zhoo Yoon, Ji Woong Yoon, Seong-Jin Cho, Yeon-Hee RyuThis review paper summarizes the history of research on the bioelectrical properties of the primo vascular system (PVS), also known as the Bonghan system. This system has been proposed as a novel circulatory system in t…
primo vascular systemelectrophysiologybioelectrical signals - 1A+2013
Cytoskeletal remodeling of connective tissue fibroblasts in response to static stretch is dependent on matrix material properties
R D Abbott, C Koptiuch, J C Iatridis, A K Howe, G J Badger, H M LangevinThis study investigated how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, change shape in response to static stretching. Researchers compared fibroblasts in loose (areolar) and dense connective tissues, as well as ce…
Fibroblasts; cytoskeleton; dense connective tissue; areolar connective tissue; mechanotransduction - 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 - 1A+2011
Reduced thoracolumbar fascia shear strain in human chronic low back pain
Helene M Langevin, J R Fox, C Koptiuch, G J Badger, A C Greenan-Naumann, N A Bouffard, E E Konofagou, W-N Lee, J J Tria…Researchers used ultrasound to investigate the movement between layers of the thoracolumbar fascia, a large sheet of connective tissue in the lower back. They compared a group of people with chronic low back pain to a g…
Thoracolumbar fascialow back painshear strain - 1A+2010
Tissue stretch induces nuclear remodeling in connective tissue fibroblasts
H M Langevin, K N Storch, R R Snapp, N A Bouffard, G J Badger, A K Howe, D J TaatjesIn a study on mice, researchers investigated how stretching connective tissue affects the nuclei of fibroblast cells. The results showed that when tissue samples were stretched for 30 minutes, the shape of the cell nucl…
Cytoskeleton; subcutaneous; nucleus; mechanotransduction; invagination - 1A+2009
Cannabinoids inhibit fibrogenesis in diffuse systemic sclerosis fibroblasts
E Garcia-Gonzalez, E Selvi, E Balistreri, S Lorenzini, R Maggio, M-R Natale, P-L Capecchi, P-E Lazzerini, M Bardelli, F…Systemic sclerosis is a disease characterized by excessive fibrosis, or scarring, in tissues. In this laboratory study, researchers investigated the effect of a synthetic cannabinoid on fibroblasts (connective tissue ce…
CannabinoidsSystemic sclerosisFibrogenesisFibroblasts - 1A+2008
Expression of the endocannabinoid system in fibroblasts and myofascial tissues
J M McPartlandThis narrative review investigates the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, a network in the body similar to the endorphin system that helps regulate pain and inflammation. Using a bioinformatics approach to analyze existing d…
Cannabinoids; Endocannabinoids; Ajulemic acid; Osteopathic medicine; Chiropractic; Myofascial release; Fibromyalgia; Myofascial trigger points; Biodynamics