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- A2018
A fundamental critique of the fascial distortion model and its application in clinical practice
Christoph ThalhamerThis narrative review critiques the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), a manual therapy approach based on the idea that all musculoskeletal complaints stem from distortions of fascia. The author investigated the scientific…
Manual Therapyfasciaefascial distortion modelreductionismtypaldos - A2018
Elevated expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 associates with decreased survival in diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas
Mari Valkonen, Hannu Haapasalo, Kirsi Rilla, Kristiina Tyynelä-Korhonen, Ylermi Soini , Sanna Pasonen-SeppänenAstrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumor in adults. In this retrospective study, researchers investigated hyaluronan, a key component of the brain's extracellular matrix, and its related enzymes in 163 tumor…
hyaluronanHyaluronan synthaseAstrocytomaPrognosisGlioma - A2018
Muscle spindles of the rat sternomastoid muscle
Walter Giuriati, Barbara Ravara, Andrea Porzionato, Giovanna Albertin, Carla Stecco, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De Caro,…This animal study on rats examined the sternomastoid muscle in the neck, which has a unique structure. Researchers found it has two distinct regions: a superficial "white" part with fast-twitch fibers and a deep "red" p…
ratsternomastoid musclemuscle spindlesfiber typestranslational studies - A2018
Lipedema—An update
Uwe WollinaThis review provides an update on lipedema, a chronic condition affecting subcutaneous fat tissue in the limbs, almost exclusively in women. It typically appears during or after puberty and is characterized by symmetric…
painEdemaobesitylipedemalymphedema - A2018
Mineralization can be an incidental ultrasonographic finding in equine tendons and ligaments
Etienne J O O'Brien, Roger K W SmithIn this observational study on horses, researchers investigated the presence of mineralization, or calcium deposits, in tendons and ligaments using ultrasound. They found it was most common in the deep digital flexor te…
horsecalcificationDopplerossification - A2018
A review of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement techniques
Hans Van Geelen, Donald Ostergard, Peter SandThis narrative review examines how pregnancy and childbirth affect the pelvic floor, based on studies using objective measurement tools like ultrasound and MRI. The authors found that pregnancy, particularly the first,…
Pregnancy . Childbirth . Vaginal delivery . Cesarean delivery . Pelvic floor function . Objective measurement techniques - A2018
The influence of breathing on the central nervous system
Bruno Bordoni, Shahin Purgol, Annalisa Bizzarri, Maddalena Modica, Bruno MorabitoThis narrative review explores the diaphragm's extensive influence on the central nervous system. The authors discuss how the rhythm of our breath can physically move the brain, alter patterns of neural oscillation, and…
diaphragmbreathingphrenic nervevagus nerveneural oscillation - A2018
The infrapatellar fat pad and the synovial membrane: an anatomo-functional unit
Veronica Macchi, Elena Stocco, Carla Stecco, Elisa Belluzzi, Marta Favero, Andrea Porzionato, Raffaele De CaroThis descriptive review summarizes evidence on the close relationship between the infrapatellar fat pad and the synovial membrane in the knee. Anatomically, they are linked, as parts of the synovial membrane insert into…
infrapatellar fat pad; knee plicae; osteoarthritis; synovial membrane. - A2018
Non-invasive Assessment of Lameness in Horses with Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement “Kissing spine”: A Case Study.
Adrian P Harrison, Anja Jensen, Karoline Holst Riis, Kiwa Riis-OlesenIn this case study, researchers examined a horse with recurring lameness and "kissing spine" using three non-invasive techniques. Acoustic myography was used to assess muscle activity and locate the injury, while bioimp…
Bioimpedance analysis; Accelerometry; Acoustic myography; lameness - A2018
Not merely a protective packing organ? A review of fascia and its force transmission capacity
Jan Wilke, Robert Schleip, Can A Yucesoy, Winfried BanzerThis review article examines fascia's role in transmitting force throughout the body. Traditionally seen as just a "packing" material, research now suggests fascia is an active tissue that connects muscles into a body-w…
epimuscular; fascia; force transmission; myofascial chains - A2018
What Is the Point? The Problem with Acupuncture Research That No One Wants to Talk About
Helene M Langevin, Peter M WayneIn this 2018 commentary, the authors address a persistent criticism of acupuncture research: the unclear scientific basis for "acupuncture points." They argue that the acupuncture research community has not paid enough…
acupunctureAnatomyacupuncture pointsmethodology - A2017
Correlations of magnetic resonance imaging findings with clinical symptom severity and prognosis of frozen shoulder
Jong Pil Yoon, Seok Won Chung, Byung Joo Lee, Hyung Sup Kim, Jae Hyuck Yi, Hyun‑Joo Lee, Won‑Ju Jeong, Sung Gyu Moon, K…Researchers used a specific type of MRI (indirect MR arthrography) to examine the shoulders of 52 people with frozen shoulder and 52 without. They found that certain features, like thickening and inflammation-related ch…
frozen shoulderMR findingIndirect MR arthrogramClinical symptomCorrelation