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++2018
Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century Informing Yoga and Physiotherapy Concerning New Findings in Fascia Research
John SharkeyThis short article discusses how a new view of anatomy, called biotensegrity, is changing our understanding of the human body. This perspective focuses on fascia as a continuous, interconnected network that creates a un…
biotensegrityyogahuman anatomy - A++2018
Female hormones: do they influence muscle and tendon protein metabolism?
Mette HansenThis narrative review examines how female sex hormones, particularly estrogen, influence the metabolism of proteins in muscles and tendons. After menopause, declining hormone levels are associated with accelerated muscl…
ACL anterior cruciate ligament; ER oestrogen receptors; ERT oestrogen replacement therapy; HRT hormone replacement therapy; IGF-I insulin-like growth factor-I; OC oral contraceptive; Collagen; Hormone replacement therapy; Muscle strength; Oestrogen; Sarcopenia. - A++2018
Vitamin C – A new player in regulation of the cancer epigenome
Linn Gillberg, Andreas D Ørskov, Minmin Liu, Laurine B S Harsløf, Peter A Jones, Kirsten GrønbækThis narrative review explores the emerging role of vitamin C in cancer treatment, particularly in relation to epigenetics. The authors note that vitamin C is crucial for enzymes that help regulate gene expression, and…
Ascorbic acid; Cancer treatment; Epigenetics; Hematological malignancies; Vitamin C - A++2017
Touch, Tension, and Transduction - The Function and Regulation of Piezo Ion Channels
Jason Wu, Amanda H Lewis, Jörg GrandlThis narrative review explores Piezo1 and Piezo2, specialized proteins that act as the body's primary mechanical sensors. These ion channels convert physical forces like touch, tension, and fluid flow into electrical si…
Mechanotransductionpiezo - A++2017
Measuring ultra-weak photon emission as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting early-stage type 2 diabetes: A step toward personalized medicine
Mengmeng Sun, Eduard Van Wijk, Slavik Koval, Roeland Van Wijk, Min He, Mei Wang, Thomas Hankemeier, Jan van der GreefThis study investigated whether ultra-weak photon emission (UPE)—a very faint light emitted by the body—could help identify different subtypes of pre-diabetes. Researchers had practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medici…
biophotonsTraditional Chinese medicin-based diagnosticsPersonalized medicineType 2 diabetesUltra-weak photon emission (UPE) - A++2017
Massage therapy research review
Tiffany FieldThis review summarizes research showing beneficial effects of massage therapy for a wide range of conditions, including prenatal depression, pain syndromes, autoimmune conditions, and issues related to aging. The author…
Massage therapy research review - A++2017
Minimizing Injury and Maximizing Return to Play: Lessons from Engineered Ligaments
Keith BaarMusculoskeletal injuries are a primary reason for time away from sports, partly because our understanding of how training affects tendons and ligaments is limited. This study used engineered ligaments grown in a lab fro…
trainingminimizing injuryreturn to playsupplementation - A++2017
Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis
Gregory Shaw, Ann Lee-Barthel, Megan L R Ross, Bing Wang, Keith BaarIn a small study involving eight healthy men, researchers investigated the effect of vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before exercise. Participants who consumed 15 grams of gelatin one hour before a short, int…
Bonetendonexerciseligamentreturn to play - A++2017
NAD and the aging process: Role in life, death and everything in between
Claudia C S Chini, Mariana G Tarragó, Eduardo N ChiniThis narrative review explores the vital role of the molecule NAD in cellular health and the aging process. Beyond its traditional role in metabolism, NAD is essential for cell signaling and regulating the epigenetic st…
Aging; CD38; Mitochondrial function; NAD(+); PARP; SIRTUINS - A++2017
EFFECT OF MATRIX RHYTHM THERAPY (MRT) COMBINED WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN FROZEN SHOULDER – A CASE REPORT
Vijay Bhartiya, Shrikant Darade, Sandip Bhagwat, Manjumala RoyThis case report describes the treatment of a 52-year-old man with a painful and stiff right shoulder, diagnosed as frozen shoulder. His condition also involved tendinosis, bursitis, and osteoarthritic changes. The pati…
exercisesfrozen shoulderMRT - A++2017
Interaction between the gut microbiome and mucosal immune system
Na Shi, Na Li, Xinwang Duan, Haitao NiuIn this narrative review, the authors outline the two-way relationship between the gut microbiome and the mucosal immune system. A balanced microbiome is essential for the proper maturation and function of the immune sy…
inflammationMicrobiomeImmunity - A++2017
Telocytes: Connective tissue repair and communication cells
Leon ChaitowThis commentary highlights a newly identified type of connective tissue cell called a telocyte. We already know that other cells, like fibroblasts, respond to mechanical forces from manual therapy, influencing tissue re…
mechanotransductiontelocytesinterstitial cellsregeneration