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+++2016
A long-distance fluid transport pathway within fibrous connective tissues in patients with ankle edema
Hongyi Li, Chongqing Yang, Kuiyuan Lu, Liyang Zhang, Jiefu Yang, Fang Wang, Dongge Liu, Di Cui, Mingjun Sun, Jianxin Pa…This anatomical study investigated how fluid might drain from swollen ankles. Researchers injected a fluorescent dye into the skin of four lower legs scheduled for amputation to trace fluid movement. They observed that…
interstitial fluidConnective tissuesvascular circulations - A+++2015
Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review
M-N Chen, C-C Lin, C-F LiuThis systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials examined the effectiveness of plant-based estrogens, known as phytoestrogens, for relieving menopausal symptoms. The findings suggest that phyt…
CLIMACTERIC; ESTROGEN; HOT FLUSH; ISOFLAVONE; LIGNAN; MENOPAUSE; META-ANALYSIS. - A+++2015
Multi-frequency bioimpedance and myofascial release therapy: An equine “AtlasOrange1” validation study
Vibeke Sødring Elbrønd, Marta Julia Krasnodebska, Adrian HarrisonThis study on horses explored whether a device using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (mf-BIA) could objectively measure myofascial tension. Researchers compared the device's readings with a veterinarian's manual a…
myofasciamuscle tensionmf-BIAmechanical physiothera - A+++2015
Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses
Nathan Wiggers, Sandra L P Nauwelaerts, Sarah Jane Hobbs, Sophie Bool, Claudia F Wolschrijn, Willem BackThis study investigated how horses with uneven forefeet, where the angle differs between left and right, move at a trot. Researchers found that the flatter foot experiences higher loading, including greater braking forc…
asymmetryriding horsesuneven feethoof angle - A+++2015
Essential role for autophagy in life span extension
Frank Madeo, Andreas Zimmermann, Maria Chiara Maiuri, Guido KroemerThis narrative review explores the essential role of autophagy, a cellular recycling process that breaks down and removes damaged components to maintain health. The authors explain how interventions like caloric restric…
autophagystarvation - A+++2015
The equine neck and its function during movement and locomotion
Rebeka R Zsoldos, Theresia F LickaThis study measured muscle activity in the equine forelimb during walking, trotting, and cantering. The researchers found that most muscles activate just before hoof-strike to stabilize the limb, while passive structure…
Ageing; Cervical vertebral column; Equine neck muscles; Locomotion of horses - A+++2015
Swing phase kinematics of horses trotting over poles
S Brown, N C Stubbs, L J Kaiser, M Lavagnino, H M ClaytonThis study investigated how horses are affected by trotting over poles, a common therapeutic exercise used to restore joint range of motion. Researchers aimed to determine if lifting the limbs higher to clear obstacles…
coordination; horse; physiotherapy; rehabilitation - A+++2015
Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatics
Antoine Louveau, Igor Smirnov, Timothy J Keyes, Jacob D Eccles, Sherin J Rouhani, J David Peske, Noel C Derecki, David…The central nervous system (CNS) was long thought to lack a conventional lymphatic drainage system. In this study, however, researchers discovered functional lymphatic vessels within the meninges, the membranes surround…
lymphatic vesselsCentral nervous system - A+++2015
Optimal Vitamin D Supplementation Levels for Cardiovascular Disease Protection
Sebastian T Lugg, Phillip A Howells, David R ThickettThis narrative review explores the growing body of evidence linking vitamin D to cardiovascular health. While traditionally associated with bone health, data suggests vitamin D status may be a marker for, and possibly a…
vitamin DCardiovascular disease25-hydroxyvitamin D3 - A+++2014
Case study: Could ultrasound and elastography visualized densified areas inside the deep fascia?
Carla Stecco fasciacyteIn this case study, researchers used ultrasound and elastography to visualize the deep fascia of a 40-year-old male with calf pain. The imaging techniques allowed them to see changes in the fascia's gliding, echogenicit…
Fascia; Myofascial pain; Fascial manipulation; Manual therapy; Densification; Gliding; Sliding system - A+++2014
The active role of vitamin C in mammalian iron metabolism: much more than just enhanced iron absorption!
Darius J R Lane, Des R RichardsonThis review explores how vitamin C (ascorbate) plays a sophisticated role in mammalian iron metabolism beyond simply enhancing absorption in the gut. Evidence suggests that vitamin C regulates how cells take up, store,…
Ascorbate; Dcytb; Ferritin; Free radicals; HIF; IRP; Iron; Transferrin; Vitamin C - A+++2014
Telocytes revisited
Sanda M Cretoiu, Laurentiu M PopescuThis narrative review summarizes findings on telocytes, a relatively new type of cell found in the interstitial, or connective, tissue of many organs. These cells are defined by their small bodies and extremely long, th…
exosomes/ectosomes; intercellular signaling; regenerative medicine; telocytes; telopodes