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
Effect of Ground and Raised Poles on Kinematics of the Walk
Vicki A Walker, Carolyne A Tranquillle, Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Jo Spear, Richard Newton, Rachel C MurrayThis study investigated how horses are affected by walking over ground poles and raised poles compared to walking on flat ground. The results suggest that polework increases joint range of motion through enhanced limb f…
Equine; Gait analysis; IMU; Polework; Rehabilitation - A+++2022
Performance of Swedish Warmblood fragile foal syndrome carriers and breeding prospects
Michela Ablondi, Martin Johnsson, Susanne Eriksson, Alberto Sabbioni, Åsa Gelinder Viklund, Sofia MikkoThis research article investigated the prevalence of Warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) in Swedish Warmblood horses and its potential link to performance. WFFS is a lethal genetic defect affecting collagen stability…
FFSWFFS - A+++2022
Pilot study assessing the effect of Fascial Manipulation on fascial densifications and associated pain
Emmett Hughes, Jessica M Koenig, Robert S Lee, Kena McDermott, Tina Freilicher, Mark H PitcherThis pilot study investigated if Fascial Manipulation (FM) could reduce the thickness of fascial densifications and the acute pain associated with them. Researchers used ultrasound to measure densifications and asked pa…
Fascial manipulation; pain; densification; sex differences; diagnostic ultrasound - A+++2022
Fetal Fascial Reinforcement Development: From “a White Tablet” to a Sculpted Precise Organization by Movement
Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Albert Pérez-Bellmunt, Sara Ortiz-Miguel, Caterina Fede, Raffaele De Caro, Maribel Migue…This study examined the development of fascia and retinacula (connective tissue reinforcements) in six human fetuses between 24 and 40 weeks of gestation. The researchers found that deep fascia initially lacks organized…
fetus; fascia development; retinacula; gross functional movements - 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
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
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+++2021
The challenges of chronic pain and fatigue
Jessica A Eccles, Kevin A DaviesIn this review article, the authors explore the challenges of chronic pain and fatigue, two common and frequently overlapping symptoms. They discuss possible underlying biological associations, including connective tiss…
Fibromyalgiapainfatiguehypermobilityrheumatology - 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 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 - A+++2021
Variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility) and dysautonomia are associated with multimorbidity at the intersection between physical and psychological health
Jenny L L Csecs, Nicholas G Dowell, Georgia K Savage, Valeria Iodice, Christopher J Mathias, Hugo D Critchley, Jessica…This study investigated the links between joint hypermobility, autonomic nervous system dysfunction (dysautonomia), and anxiety in adults with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. Researchers found that this…
joint hypermobilityAnxietyautonomic dysfunctionmultimorbidity