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++2013
Implementation of Matrix Rhythm Therapy and Conventional Massage in Young Females and Comparison of Their Acute Effects on Circulation
Ferruh Taspinar, Ummuhan Bas Aslan, Nuran Sabir, Ugur CavlakThis randomized controlled trial compared the acute effects of Matrix Rhythm Therapy and conventional massage on lower leg blood circulation in young, healthy women. Fifteen participants received a single 30-minute sess…
fascia - A++2013
Cell-to-cell signaling through light: just a ghost of chance?
Ondřej Kučera, Michal CifraThis paper examines the physical feasibility of cell-to-cell communication via weak light signals, often referred to as biophotons. The researchers analyze whether electromagnetic signaling is possible when considering…
Cell signalingbiophotonsphoton emission - A++2013
Air ions and mood outcomes: a review and meta-analysis
Vanessa Perez, Dominik D Alexander, William H BaileyThis review and meta-analysis examined 33 studies to investigate how air ions affect human psychological states. The authors found no consistent effects of positive or negative ionization on anxiety, general mood, relax…
systematic reviewepidemiologyMood disordersDepressionAir ionization - A++2012
INTERSTITIAL FLUID AND LYMPH FORMATION AND TRANSPORT: PHYSIOLOGICAL REGULATION AND ROLES IN INFLAMMATION AND CANCER
Helge Wiig, Melody A SwartzThis 2012 review explores the interstitium, the fluid-filled space surrounding our cells that contains interstitial fluid (IF). Formed by filtration from blood capillaries and cleared by lymphatic vessels, IF and its fl…
ImmunologyLymphTumorinterstitiumfluid - A++2012
Lymphatic and interstitial flow in the tumour microenvironment: linking mechanobiology with immunity
Melody A Swartz, Amanda W LundThis review explores how tumors interact with the lymphatic system to grow and spread. Increased fluid flow from a tumor to nearby lymph nodes does more than just transport cancer cells. This flow also creates mechanica…
fasciacancerstiffnessmechanobiologymicroenvironment - A++2012
Diet-Induced Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Microbiota and the Effects on Immunity and Disease
Kirsty Brown, Daniella DeCoffe, Erin Molcan, Deanna L GibsonThis 2012 narrative review explores the connection between diet, gut microbes, and the immune system. The gastrointestinal tract must balance tolerance for harmless bacteria and food with responsiveness to pathogens. An…
inflammationnutritionintestinal microbiotadisease susceptibility - A++2012
Vitamin C transport and its role in the central nervous system
James M MayThis review article explores the critical role of vitamin C in the central nervous system. Although it circulates in the blood at low concentrations, neurons in the brain and spinal cord maintain very high levels of the…
ascorbate transport; brain; dehydroascorbate; glutamate; neurons; SVCT2 - A++2012
Fluid Flow along Venous Adventitia in Rabbits: Is It a Potential Drainage System Complementary to Vascular Circulations?
Hong-yi Li, Min Chen, Jie-fu Yang, Chong-qing Yang, Liang Xu, Fang Wang, Jia-bin Tong, You Lv, Caidan SuonanIn this animal study on rabbits, researchers investigated a potential fluid drainage system within the body's connective tissue. By injecting tracers, they visualized pathways along the loose connective tissue surroundi…
interstitial fluidacupuncturefluid flow - A++2012
Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging
Silke K Schagen, Vasiliki A Zampeli, Evgenia Makrantonaki, Christos C ZouboulisThis narrative review examines the relationship between nutrition and skin aging, focusing on how specific nutrients may protect against damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The authors describe how antioxidants such…
antioxidants; diet; fatty acids; flavonoids; nutrition; skin aging; ultraviolet protection; vitamins. - A++2011
Review of Evidence Suggesting That the Fascia Network Could Be the Anatomical Basis for Acupoints and Meridians in the Human Body
Yu Bai, Jun Wang, Jin-Peng Wu, Jing-Xing Dai, Ou Sha, David Tai Wai Yew, Lin Yuan, Qiu-Ni LiangThis narrative review explores the idea that the body's fascia network could be the physical structure behind traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM) meridians and acupoints. The authors examine anatomical, physiological,…
fasciaacupunctureacupoints - A++2011
Vibration therapy of the plantar fascia improves spasticity of the lower limbs of a patient with fetal-type Minamata disease in the chronic stage
Fusako Usuki, Satsuki TohyamaThis case report describes a treatment for spasticity in a patient with fetal-type Minamata disease. Researchers used a hand-held vibration massager applied directly to the patient's plantar fascia and hamstrings. After…
spasticityvibration therapy - A++2011
Optimizing an Intermittent Stretch Paradigm Using ERK1/2 Phosphorylation Results in Increased Collagen Synthesis in Engineered Ligaments
Jennifer Z Paxton, Paul Hagerty, Jonathan J Andrick, Keith BaarThis study on engineered ligaments explored how different stretching patterns affect tissue development. Researchers used a bioreactor to apply cyclic stretch, measuring cellular responses by tracking a key protein call…
collagen synthesisERK 1/2 phosphorylationintermittent stretch