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+++2022
Making Connections to Improve Health Outcomes
Helene M LangevinIn 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…
complementary and alternative medicine; integrative medicine; treatment and prevention - A+++2022
The Effects of Aging on the Intramuscular Connective Tissue
Caterina Fede, Chenglei Fan, Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Carlo Biz, Andrea Porzionato, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De…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…
aging; collagen; extracellular matrix; hyaluronan; intramuscular connective tissue; motor control; muscle - A+++2022
Hyaluronan homeostasis and its role in pain and muscle stiffness
Adam Amir, Soo Kim, Antonio Stecco, Michael P Jankowski, Preeti RaghavanThis 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…
hyaluronanpainmuscle stiffness - A+++2022
Fascial Innervation: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Vidina Suarez-Rodriguez, Caterina Fede, Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Juan Francisco Loro-Ferrer, David Rodriguez-Ruiz…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…
fascia; innervation; nociceptor; pain - A+++2022
Myofascial Tissue and Depression
Johannes Michala, Lanre Aranmolate, Antonia Bonn, Karen Grandin, Robert Schleip, Jaqueline Schmiedtke, Svenja Quassowsk…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…
Depression; Embodiment; Memory bias; Myofascial tissue. - A+++2022
Intramuscular connective tissue content and mechanical properties: Influence of aging and physical activity in mice
Annesofie T Olesen, Lasse Malchow-Møller, Rune D Bendixen, Michael Kjær, Abigail L Mackey, S Peter Magnusson, Rene B Sv…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…
Collagen; Decellularized muscle; Endomysium; Picrosirius red; Rodent; Wheel running - A+++2022
H2 Inhibits the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Kohsuke Shirakawa, Eiji Kobayashi, Genki Ichihara, Hiroki Kitakata, Yoshinori Katsumata, Kazuhisa Sugai, Yoji Hakamata,…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,…
BALbronchoalveolar lavage; CVDcardiovascular disease; CitH3citrullinated histone H3; H2; HOClhypochlorous acid; LPS - A+++2021
Estrogenic Effect of Salvia officinalis Extract on Reproductive Function of Female Mice and Identification of Its Phenolic Content
Sabah H Elgayed, Elham A Afify, Hanan A Amin, Ahmed A H AbdellatifThis animal study on mice investigated whether sage (Salvia officinalis) extract could serve as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. Researchers found that sage contains phytoestrogens, specifically qu…
Natural phytoestrogens; female mice.; menopause; natural estrogen; phenolic content; saliva officinalis; uterotrophic activity - A+++2021
A Closer Look at the Cellular and Molecular Components of the Deep/Muscular Fasciae
Caterina Fede, Carmelo Pirri, Chenglei Fan, Lucia Petrelli, Diego Guidolin, Raffaele De Caro, Carla SteccoThis narrative review describes fascia as a complex and dynamic connective tissue network. This network is composed of different cell types, an extracellular matrix, and nerve fibers. Each component plays a specific rol…
fascia; cells; extracellular matrix; nerve - A+++2021
Myofascial pain in females and personalized care: The key role played by sex hormones
Caterina Fede, Carmelo Pirri, Raffaele De Caro, Carla SteccoBased on its title, this publication appears to explore the relationship between sex hormones and myofascial pain specifically in females. The authors suggest that hormonal factors play a key role in this type of pain.…
Myofascial painsex hormonesfemales - A+++2021
Evidence for continuity of interstitial spaces across tissue and organ boundaries in humans
Odise Cenaj, Douglas H R Allison, Rami Imam, Briana Zeck, Lilly M Drohan, Luis Chiriboga, Jessica Llewellyn, Cheng Z Li…Researchers investigated whether the fluid-filled spaces within our connective tissues, known as the interstitium, are isolated within organs or form a continuous network throughout the body. By tracking particles like…
continuityinterstitiumfluid - A+++2021
Evidence of a new hidden neural network into deep fasciae
Caterina Fede, Lucia Petrelli, Diego Guidolin, Andrea Porzionato, Carmelo Pirri, Chenglei Fan, Raffaele De Caro, Carla…In this study on mice, researchers examined the nerve networks within two different types of deep fascia: the thoracolumbar fascia (in the lower back) and the gluteal fascia (around the buttock muscles). They found that…
deep fasciainnervation of fascia. low back pain