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- A++2023
Functional organization of extracellular hyaluronan, CD44 and RHAMM
Mary K Cowman, Eva A TurleyIn 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…
hyaluronanCD44extracellular matrixRHAMMpericellular matrix - A++2023
Pain quality patterns in delayed onset muscle soreness of the lower back suggest sensitization of fascia rather than muscle aferents: a secondary analysis study
Andreas Brandl, Jan Wilke, Christoph Egner, Tobias Schmidt, Andreas Schilder, Robert SchleipThis 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…
Delayed onset muscle soreness; Eccentric exercise; Fascia pain; Lumbar multifidus muscle; Muscle pain; Pain perception; Pain quality; Thoracolumbar fascia - A++2023
The Cognitive and Emotional Aspect in Fibromyalgia: The Importance of the Orofacial Sphere
Bruno Bordoni, Allan R Escher, Gianmarco Cannadoro, Filippo TobbiThis 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…
dental occlusion; fibromyalgia; inflammation; osteopathic; pain; temporomandibular joint - A++2023
What's old is new again: The anatomical studies of Franklin P. Mall and the fascial-interstitial spaces
Carmelo Pirri, Rebecca G Wells, Raffaele De Caro, Carla Stecco, Neil D TheiseFranklin 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…
His; Mall; Sabin; artery; capillary; fascia; interstitium; liver; lymphatics; reticular network - A++2023
The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Małgorzata Wójcik, Bruno Bordoni, Idzi Siatkowski, Ewa ZekanowskaThis 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…
stress; cortisol; corticotropin-releasing hormone - A++2023
The Osteopath's Imprint: Osteopathic Medicine Under the Nanoscopic Lens
Bruno Bordoni, Allan R EscherThis 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…
diaphragm; fascia; fascintegrity; myofascial; pain; quantum physics - A++2023
Change in gliding properties of the iliotibial tract in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
Tina J Wang, Antonio Stecco, Robert Schleip, Carla Stecco, Carmelo PirriThis 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…
fasciashear strainultrasonographyEhlers–Danlos syndromeIliotibial tract - A++2022
Blood supply to the superficial fascia of the abdomen:An anatomical study
Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Caterina Fede, Diego Guidolin, Cesare Tiengo, Raffaele De Caro, Carla SteccoThis 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…
Subcutaneous tissueFlapssuperficial fasciahypodermislymphatics - A++2022
Evidence of Renin-Angiotensin System Receptors in Deep Fascia: A Role in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Fibrogenesis?
Carmelo Pirri, Brasilina Caroccia, Andrea Angelini, Lucia Petrelli, Maria Piazza, Carlo Biz, Pietro Ruggieri, Raffaele…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…
Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R); angiotensin receptor; angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); fascia; fibrosis; remodeling; renin–angiotensin system; thoracolumbar fascia. - A++2022
Innervation of human superficial fascia
Caterina Fede, Lucia Petrelli, Carmelo Pirri, Winfried Neuhuber, Cesare Tiengo, Carlo Biz, Raffaele De Caro, Robert Sch…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…
autonomic innervation; hypodermis; innervation; nerve fibers; superficial fascia. - A++2022
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
Belinda Beck, Clinton Rubin, Amy Harding, Sanjoy Paul, Mark ForwoodThis 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…
exercisevibrationFractureHiRITOsteoporosis - A++2022
Differential Sensitization of Muscle versus Fascia in Individuals with Low Back Pain
Ronen Cozacov, Amir Minerbi, May Haddad, Simon VulfsonsThis 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…
fascia; myofascial pain; pain sensitization