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
Innervation of human superficial fascia
Caterina Fede, Lucia Petrelli, Carmelo Pirri, Winfried Neuhuber, Cesare Tiengo, Carlo Biz, Raffaele De Caro, Robert Sch…This study examined the superficial fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue within the skin's fat layer, to understand its nerve supply. Researchers found that this tissue is densely packed with nerves, particularly a…
autonomic innervation; hypodermis; innervation; nerve fibers; superficial fascia. - 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
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
Blood supply to the superficial fascia of the abdomen:An anatomical study
Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Caterina Fede, Diego Guidolin, Cesare Tiengo, Raffaele De Caro, Carla SteccoThis anatomical study investigated the blood supply to Scarpa's fascia, the superficial fascia of the abdominal wall, using tissue samples from seven volunteers. The researchers demonstrated that this fascia is a highly…
Subcutaneous tissueFlapssuperficial fasciahypodermislymphatics - 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++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++2021
Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome-Aetiology and Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review
Paulina Golanska, Klara Saczuk, Monika Domarecka, Joanna Kuć, Monika Lukomska-SzymanskaThis case report examined the effectiveness of Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) in treating a 23-year-old woman with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and postural imbalances. By addressing muscle chains and spinal alig…
biopsychosocial profile modulation; bruxism; limbic system; stress; temporomandibular myofascial pain syndrome - A++2021
Therapeutic potential of astaxanthin and superoxide dismutase in Alzheimer's disease
Vyshnavy Balendra, Sandeep Kumar SinghThis narrative review explores how the combination of astaxanthin and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) may help protect the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress is a key factor in the disease's progressio…
Alzheimer's disease; astaxanthin; neurodegeneration; nutraceuticals; oxidative stress; superoxide dismutase (SOD) - A++2021
Is "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness" a False Friend? The Potential Implication of the Fascial Connective Tissue in Post-Exercise Discomfort
Jan Wilke, Michael BehringerThis narrative review explores the theory that delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) may originate in the connective tissue (fascia) rather than the muscle fibers themselves. While traditional explanations like lactic ac…
DOMS; athletes; eccentric exercise; fascia; pain. - 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
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
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