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++2020
The Structure and Role of Intramuscular Connective Tissue in Muscle Function
Peter P PurslowThis narrative review analyzes the microscopic structure of intramuscular connective tissue—endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium—and its role in muscle function. Rather than acting simply as a container, this connectiv…
extracellular matrixMusclecollagenmechanotransductionperimysium - A++2020
The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology
Tabrez Sheriff, Matthew J Lin, Danielle Dubin, Hooman KhorasaniThis literature review explores how cannabinoids, including both plant-derived and endogenous versions, may affect the skin through the endocannabinoid system. Research suggests that the skin possesses its own receptors…
Cannabinoids in dermatology; cannabidiol; cannabis; endocannabinoids. - A++2020
The Efficacy of Stretching Exercises on Arterial Stiffness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials
Michitaka Kato, Fumi Nihei Green, Kazuki Hotta, Toshiya Tsukamoto, Yasunari Kurita, Akira Kubo, Hisato TakagiThis meta-analysis reviewed eight studies involving 213 middle-aged and older adults to see how stretching affects arterial stiffness. The combined results suggest that regular stretching can significantly reduce arteri…
stretching exercises; arterial stiffness; endothelial function; middle-aged; older adult - A++2020
Local low-intensity vibration improves healing of muscle injury in mice
Thomas F Corbiere, Timothy J KohIn this animal study, researchers investigated how local low-intensity vibration (LIV) affects muscle injury healing in mice. After lacerating the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle in mice, one group received daily vibration…
skeletal muscle injurycell culturemechanical stimulationmouse modelmuscle repair - A++2020
Telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells: Two immunophenotypically distinct and spatially close cell entities
Irene Rosa, Mirca Marini, Eleonora Sgambati, Lidia Ibba-Manneschi, Mirko ManettiResearchers have been working to clarify the identity of two cell types, telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells, which can sometimes look similar in tissue samples. This study used a specific staining technique to lo…
Telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells: Two immunophenotypically distinct and spatially close cell entities - A++2020
Mesothelial Cells Covering the Surface of Primo Vascular System Tissue
Chae Jeong Lim, Yeo Sung Yoon, Pan Dong RyuIn this study on rats, researchers investigated the cells on the outer surface of the primo vascular system (PVS), a proposed circulatory network. Using various microscopy and staining techniques, they identified these…
HBME-1; hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E); periductium; primo node; primo vessel; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) - A++2020
Higher Circulating Cortisol in the Follicular vs. Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Meta-Analysis
Ajna Hamidovic, Kristina Karapetyan, Fadila Serdarevic, So Hee Choi, Tory Eisenlohr-Moul, Graziano PinnaThis meta-analysis investigated how levels of the stress hormone cortisol vary across the menstrual cycle in healthy women. By synthesizing data from multiple high-quality studies, researchers found that cortisol levels…
cortisol; follicular; hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis; luteal; menstrual cycle - A++2020
Extracellular Vesicles Released From Articular Chondrocytes Play a Major Role in Cell-Cell Communication
Xiaoming Liu, Claire Shortt, Fenglin Zhang, Mariah Q Bater, Mary K Cowman, Thorsten KirschThis narrative review examines the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as crucial mediators in cell-to-cell communication. EVs are small, lipid-enclosed particles that transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material t…
articular chondrocytes; catabolic events; chondrogenesis; extracellular vesicles - A++2020
Embryology of the Fascial System
Leonardo VieiraThis review article explores how the fascial system develops in the human embryo, highlighting its role as a continuous network that integrates all body systems. The author describes how different types of fascia—includ…
embryology; fascia; fascial system; human development; neuro-fasciagenic - A++2020
Integrating mental imagery and fascial tissue: A conceptualization for research into movement and cognition
Amit Abraham, Eric Franklin, Carla Stecco, Robert SchleipThis narrative review explores the connection between mental imagery and fascial tissue, a field that has historically focused on muscles and the nervous system. The authors propose that specific mental visualizations d…
Body schema; Cognition; Dynamic neuro-cognitive imagery; Fascia; Mental imagery; Movement - A++2020
Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections
Philip C Calder, Anitra C Carr, Adrian F Gombart, Manfred EggersdorferIn this review, the authors state that optimal nutritional status is crucial for a well-functioning immune system and protection against viral infections. They highlight that many vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folate),…
immune system; viral infection; influenza; COVID-19; micronutrients; vitamins; omega-3 fatty acids; minerals; vitamin C; vitamin D - A++2020
What is the Intelligent Tissue !eory and How Does it Relate to Acupuncture?
Fletcher KovichThis article introduces the "intelligent tissue theory," which proposes that organ information is transmitted via electromagnetic waves and interpreted by bodily tissues at specific meridians. The author suggests that t…
acupunctureChiintelligent tissueNei Jing