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
Low intensity vibration increases cartilage thickness in obese mice
Tee Pamon, Vincent Bhandal, Benjamin J Adler, M Ete Chan, Clinton T RubinThis animal study investigated if a high-fat diet affected cartilage thickness in mice and if low-intensity vibration (LIV) could offer protection. Contrary to expectations, the high-fat diet alone did not significantly…
osteoarthritis; chondrocytes; exercise; biomechanics; adaptation; stem cell - A++2018
The Impedance Profile of Acupuncture Points
Fletcher KovichThis study investigated real-time electrical impedance (resistance) at acupuncture points in a single subject. The researcher observed that when impedance decreased at the center of a point, it often increased at a loca…
acupunctureacupointsimpedancecommunication - A++2018
Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial
Rainer SchneiderThis randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of adding low-frequency vibrotherapy to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for 30 women with stage 2–3 lipedema. Participants were randomly assigned to receive eithe…
Lipedema; MLD; quality of life; shock wave vibrotherapy - 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
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
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
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
Mitochondrial dysfunction in the APP/PSEN1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and a novel protective role for ascorbate
Shilpy Dixit, Joshua P Fessel, Fiona E HarrisonIn this animal study, researchers examined mitochondrial function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and in mice with low levels of vitamin C (ascorbate). The results indicated that both the presence of amyloid (as…
Alzheimer’s disease; mitochondria; oxidative stress; ascorbate; energy production - 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
The effect of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage
Ji-Yun Kim, Da-Haeng Kang, Joon-Hee Lee, Se-Min O, Jae-Keun JeonThis study investigated whether vibration stimulation before or after exercise could reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Thirty healthy men were divided into three groups: one receiving vibration before exercise, one…
pressure pain thresholdmuscle fatiguemuscle damage - A++2017
Decorin and biglycan are necessary for maintaining collagen fibril structure, fiber realignment, and mechanical properties of mature tendons
Kelsey A Robinson, Mei Sun, Carrie E Barnum, Stephanie N Weiss, Julianne Huegel, Snehal S Shetye, Linda Lin, Daniel Sae…This study on mice investigated the role of two molecules, decorin and biglycan, in maintaining healthy adult tendons. Researchers used a genetic model to remove these molecules from mature patellar tendons after they h…
Tendon; Decorin; Biglycan; Collagen fibril; Fiber realignment; Structure; Mechanical properties; Conditional knockout mice - A++2017
Improvement of skin condition by oral administration of collagen hydrolysates in chronologically aged mice
Zhenbin Wang, Qing Wang, Lin Wang, Weidong Xu, Yuanqing He, Yunliang Li, Song He, Haile MaThis animal study investigated how oral supplementation of collagen hydrolysates derived from fish scales affected chronological skin aging in mice over six months. The researchers found that mice receiving collagen in…
chronological aging; collagen hydrolysates; histological structure; oxidative stress; skin condition; visual appearance