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+2019
The Other Side of the Fascia: Visceral Fascia, Part 2
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Bruno MorabitoThis editorial, part two of a series, argues for including certain internal organs (viscera) within the definition of fascia. From an osteopathic perspective, the authors suggest that understanding these organs as fasci…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicsmooth musclemesoderm - 1A+2019
The Other Side of the Fascia: The SmoothMuscle Part 1
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Bruno MorabitoThis theoretical article challenges the standard definition of fascia. Traditionally, fascia is considered connective tissue originating from two embryonic layers, the mesoderm and ectoderm. The authors propose expandin…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicsmooth musclemesoderm - 1A+2019
The fascial breath
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Bruno MorabitoThis narrative review proposes a new way of understanding the diaphragm muscle, moving beyond a purely mechanical view. The authors argue that the diaphragm is not just covered by fascia but is fundamentally a fascial t…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicdiaphragmbreathing - 1A+2019
Role of fasciae in nonspecific low back pain
G Casato, Carla Stecco, R BusinResearch increasingly links the thoracolumbar fascia to non-specific low back pain. This small case study explored the idea that pain could originate elsewhere in the body's continuous fascial network. Five patients wit…
fascianonspecific low back painlimb myofascial manipulationfascial continuitycase series - 1A+2019
The Awareness of the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Marta SimonelliIn this theoretical article, the authors propose a new way of looking at the fascial system, drawing on concepts from quantum physics. They suggest that fascial cells can sense, remember, and even anticipate mechanical…
fasciafascial systemMyofascialquantum physicsphysiology - 1A+2019
Sensitivity of the fasciae to sex hormone levels: Modulation of collagen-I, collagen-III and fibrillin production
Caterina Fede, Carmelo Pirri, Chenglei Fan, Giovanna Albertin, Andrea Porzionato, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De Caro, Ca…Women experience myofascial pain more often than men, and evidence suggests fascia can be influenced by sex hormones. In this lab study, researchers examined how cells from human fascia lata responded to various levels…
fasciacollagen Icollagen IIIsex hormones - 1A+2019
Bone Tissue is an Integral Part of the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Maria Marcella LaganaThis review article proposes that bone tissue should be considered an integral part of the fascial system, a departure from the current definition. The authors support this by highlighting the shared embryological origi…
fasciaBonefascial systemMyofascial - 1A+2018
The Fasciacytes- A New Cell Devoted To Fascial Gliding Regulation
Carla Stecco, Caterina Fede, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Lucia Petrelli, Carlo Biz, Robert Stern, Raffaele De C…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…
hyaluronanfasciafasciacytesextracellular matrix - 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 - 1A+2017
Emotions in Motion: Myofascial Interoception
B Bordoni, F MarelliIn 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…
fasciaManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathicInteroception - 1A+2015
Fascia and Primo Vascular System
Chun Yang, Yi-kuan Du, Jian-bin Wu, JunWang, Ping Luan, Qin-lao Yang, Lin YuanIn this review article, the authors explore the idea that the body's network of fascia may be the physical structure corresponding to acupuncture meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They also discuss the pr…
fasciamechanotransductionprimo vascular systemBonghan systemfasciology - 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