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++2017
Spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission in correlation to inflammatory metabolism and oxidative stress in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis
Min He, Eduard van Wijk, Herman van Wietmarschen, Mei Wang, Mengmeng Sun, Slavik Koval, Roeland van Wijk, Thomas Hankem…In this animal study, researchers investigated a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis using two techniques: metabolomics (the analysis of metabolic products) and ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), which measures extremely…
biophotonsUltra-weak photon emissionSystems biologyCollagen-induced arthritisCorrelation networks - A++2017
Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system. Narrative review
Giovanni Parravicini, Andrea BergnaThis narrative review explores the biological effects of manual fascial therapies. While osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is clinically effective, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The authors…
fasciaMyofascial releaseManual TherapyMyofascial manipulation - A++2017
The effect of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage
Ji-Yun Kim, Da-Haeng Kang, Joon-Hee Lee, Se-Min O, Jae-Keun JeonThis study investigated whether vibration stimulation before or after exercise could reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Thirty healthy men were divided into three groups: one receiving vibration before exercise, one…
pressure pain thresholdmuscle fatiguemuscle damage - A++2017
A New Definition of an Acupuncture Meridian
Fletcher KovichThis perspective article proposes a new definition of acupuncture meridians, moving away from the idea of dedicated anatomical vessels. The author suggests that meridians are actually tracts of tissue that become affect…
acupunctureelectrical wavesemiconductionsignal propagation - A++2017
Hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in critically ill patients despite recommended enteral and parenteral intakes
Anitra C Carr, Patrice C Rosengrave, Simone Bayer, Steve Chambers, Jan Mehrtens, Geoff M ShawThis study investigated vitamin C levels in 44 critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers found that most patients had low vitamin C levels (hypovitaminosis C), and one-third were severely defi…
Vitamin CsepsisIntensive careHypovitaminosis CCritical illness - A++2017
Oscillations of ultra-weak photon emission from cancer and noncancer cells stressed by culture medium change and TNF-alfa
Pierre Madl, Thomas Verwanger, Mark Geppert, Felix ScholkmannAll cells spontaneously emit a very faint light, known as ultra-weak photon emission (UPE). This study investigated how this light emission changes when different types of human cells, both cancerous and non-cancerous,…
cancerBiophotonultraweak photon emission - A++2017
Vitamin C and Immune Function
Anitra C Carr, Silvia MagginiThis narrative review explores the crucial role of Vitamin C in the human immune system. As a potent antioxidant, it supports various functions in both the innate and adaptive immune responses, from strengthening the sk…
ascorbate; ascorbic acid; immunity; immune system; neutrophil function; microbial killing; lymphocytes; infection; vitamin C - A++2017
Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study
Paul E Marik, Vikramjit Khangoora, Racquel Rivera, Michael H Hooper, John CatravasIn this retrospective before-after study, researchers investigated the effect of a combination therapy of intravenous vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. They compar…
corticosteroid; hydrocortisone; septic shock; thiamine; vitamin C - A++2017
Decorin and biglycan are necessary for maintaining collagen fibril structure, fiber realignment, and mechanical properties of mature tendons
Kelsey A Robinson, Mei Sun, Carrie E Barnum, Stephanie N Weiss, Julianne Huegel, Snehal S Shetye, Linda Lin, Daniel Sae…This study on mice investigated the role of two molecules, decorin and biglycan, in maintaining healthy adult tendons. Researchers used a genetic model to remove these molecules from mature patellar tendons after they h…
Tendon; Decorin; Biglycan; Collagen fibril; Fiber realignment; Structure; Mechanical properties; Conditional knockout mice - A++2017
Improvement of skin condition by oral administration of collagen hydrolysates in chronologically aged mice
Zhenbin Wang, Qing Wang, Lin Wang, Weidong Xu, Yuanqing He, Yunliang Li, Song He, Haile MaThis animal study investigated how oral supplementation of collagen hydrolysates derived from fish scales affected chronological skin aging in mice over six months. The researchers found that mice receiving collagen in…
chronological aging; collagen hydrolysates; histological structure; oxidative stress; skin condition; visual appearance - A++2017
Mitochondrial dysfunction in the APP/PSEN1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and a novel protective role for ascorbate
Shilpy Dixit, Joshua P Fessel, Fiona E HarrisonIn this animal study, researchers examined mitochondrial function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and in mice with low levels of vitamin C (ascorbate). The results indicated that both the presence of amyloid (as…
Alzheimer’s disease; mitochondria; oxidative stress; ascorbate; energy production - A++2017
A Curious Oversight in Acupuncture Research
Fletcher KovichIn this perspective article, the author argues that current acupuncture hypotheses overlook a crucial factor: the speed at which the treatment takes effect. Observations suggest that communication between acupoints and…
acupunctureelectrical wavesemiconductionsignal propagation