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
Interdisciplinarity and mechanobiology
Donald E Ingber, Dino Di CarloMechanobiology is an interdisciplinary field that studies how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. In this article, pioneers Donald Ingber and Dino Di Carlo discuss how physical forces infl…
biotensegrity - A++2022
The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review
Flemming Kondrup, Nathaly Gaudreault, Gabriel VenneThis narrative review explores the deep fascia, a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The researchers identified five common conditions associated with fascia…
anatomy; chronic pain; deep fascia; fasciitis; inflammation; innervation. - A++2022
Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression
Iris Agrawal, Ashok M Mehendale, Ritika MalhotraThis literature review examines the risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD), a condition affecting 10–15% of new mothers globally. The research suggests that factors such as a history of psychiatric illness, lack o…
clinical features; history of depression; post-natal mother; postnatal depression; postpartum care; postpartum depression; postpartum mental health; postpartum mothers; risk factors; spousal support. - A++2022
Piezo1 Channels as Force Sensors in Mechanical Force-Related Chronic Inflammation
Hailin Liu, Jialing Hu, Qingcui Zheng, Xiaojin Feng, Fenfang Zhan, Xifeng Wang, Guohai Xu, Fuzhou HuaThis narrative review explores the role of Piezo1 ion channels as mechanical sensors that link physical force to chronic inflammation. Piezo1 channels open in response to stimuli like pressure, stretch, and tissue stiff…
Ca 2+; MSc; Piezo1; chronic inflammation; mechanical force; pharmacology. - A++2022
Mechanosensing by Piezo1 and its implications for physiology and various pathologies
Austin Lai, Charles D Cox, Nadia Chandra Sekar, Peter Thurgood, Anthony Jaworowski, Karlheinz Peter, Sara BaratchiThis narrative review explores Piezo1, a specialized ion channel that senses mechanical pressure and converts it into biological signals within the body. These channels are widely distributed in tissues such as blood ve…
Piezo1; mechanoreceptor; mechanosensitive ion channel; mechanotransduction; shear stress. - A++2022
Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review
Christoph Schäfer, Gernot KeyßerThis narrative review examines how lifestyle factors influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research suggests that smoking, an unhealthy diet, and obesity increase the risk of developing…
Mediterranean diet; diet; lifestyle; physical activity; rheumatoid arthritis; smoking; socioeconomic status - A++2021
Physical Agent Modalities in Early Osteoarthritis: A Scoping Review
Giulia Letizia Mauro, Dalila Scaturro, Francesca Gimigliano, Marco Paoletta, Sara Liguori, Giuseppe Toro, Giovanni Iola…This scoping review investigated the role of physical agent modalities in treating early osteoarthritis (EOA). Researchers searched for studies on treatments like TENS, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasoun…
osteoarthritis; early osteoarthritis; rehabilitation; physical therapy modalities; physical agents; electric stimulation therapy; pulsed electromagnetic field; extracorporeal shockwave therapy; vibration therapy - A++2021
Fascia and Tensegrity The Quintessence of a Unified Systems Conception
John SharkeyThis theoretical paper proposes a new way of viewing the human body, moving beyond the traditional mechanical model of parts and levers. The author suggests the body is better understood as a unified system based on ten…
Fascia; Tensegrity; Continuity; Unified Systems; Biotensegrity; Stability; Embryology - A++2021
Altering Dynamics of Autonomic Processing Therapy (ADAPT) trial: a novel, targeted treatment for reducing anxiety in joint hypermobility
Geoff Davies, Jenny L L Csecs, Heather Ball, Jess Dare, Stephen Bremner, Robin Hosking, Hugo D Critchley, Nick Grey, Je…This paper describes the protocol for a clinical trial investigating a new therapy for anxiety in people with joint hypermobility. The proposed therapy, called ADAPT, combines bio-behavioral training with cognitive appr…
InteroceptionhypermobilityAnxietyCBTRCT - A++2021
Beyond bones: The relevance of variants of connective tissue (hypermobility) to fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and controversies surrounding diagnostic classification: an observational study
Jessica A Eccles, Beth Thompson, Kristy Themelis, Marisa L Amato, Robyn Stocks, Amy Pound, Anna-Marie Jones, Zdenka Cip…This observational study investigated the link between hypermobility, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS. Researchers found a significant overlap in symptoms between fibromyalgia and ME/CFS in the patient group. A large majority…
FibromyalgiapainfatiguehypermobilityME/CFS - A++2021
Fascial or Muscle Stretching? A Narrative Review
Carla Stecco, Carmelo Pirri, Caterina Fede, Can A Yucesoy, Raffaele De Caro, Antonio SteccoIn this narrative review, the authors explore what actually happens in the body during stretching. While it's traditionally been assumed that stretching acts on muscles and tendons, this analysis of tissue mechanics sug…
fascia; biomechanics; exercise; injury and prevention; musculoskeletal; stretching - A++2021
Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 Activated by Matrix Stiffness Regulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence and Apoptosis in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Bingjin Wang, Wencan Ke, Kun Wang, Gaocai Li, Liang Ma, Saideng Lu, Qian Xiang, Zhiwei Liao, Rongjin Luo, Yu Song, Wenb…This study investigates how the mechanical environment of the intervertebral disc influences cellular health during disc degeneration. Researchers found that as the central part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) becomes st…
mechanotransductionOxidative stressPiezo1Ion channel