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- A2017
Acute effects of foam rolling on passive tissue stiffness and fascial sliding: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Frieder Krause, Jan Wilke, Daniel Niederer, Lutz Vogt, Winfried BanzerThis document is a study protocol, outlining the planned method for a randomized controlled trial, not a report of its results. The researchers intend to investigate the immediate effects of foam rolling on the anterior…
Connective tissue; Cross-correlation; Fascia; Flexibility; Foam rolling; Self-myofascial release; Tissue stiffness; Ultrasound. - A2017
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Gabriel Venne, Brian J Rasquinha, Manuela Kunz, Randy E EllisThis cadaver study investigated the connection between a small neck muscle (Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor, RCPMi) and the spinal dura mater. Researchers used both microscopic analysis and biomechanical testing to clari…
biomechanical testingcervical dura matermechanical influence of musclesmechanical influence of soft tissuerectus capitis posterior minor - A2017
Muscle strength and stiffness in resistance exercise: Force transmission in tissues
Hans Chaudhry, Bruce Bukiet, Ellen Z Anderson, Jared Burch, Thomas FindleyResearchers used a mathematical model to estimate how forces are transmitted through the quadriceps muscle during isometric resistance exercises. They specifically looked at how knee angle affects muscle stiffness, stre…
Knee muscle strength; Stiffness; Mathematical modeling; Resistance exercise - A2017
Semimembranosus Muscle Injuries In Sport. A Practical MRI use for Prognosis
Ramon Balius, Mireia Bossy, Carles Pedret, Lluis Capdevila, Xavier Alomar, Bryan Heiderscheit, Gil RodasThis retrospective study investigated whether MRI scans could help predict recovery time for athletes with injuries to the semimembranosus, one of the hamstring muscles. Researchers analyzed MRI scans from 19 athletes,…
MRIreturn to playsemimembranosushamstring injuries - A2017
Effect of MELT method on thoracolumbar connective tissue: The full study
Faria Sanjana, Hans Chaudhry, Thomas FindleyThis study investigated if the MELT method, a self-treatment technique using soft rollers and balls, could affect the thoracolumbar connective tissue in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers used ultrasound ima…
Low back pain; MELT method; Connective tissue; Thickness; Myofascia; Flexibility - A2017
We are operating too much
Nicola MaffulliIn this editorial, the author, an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, observes a rising number of operations for orthopedic and trauma ailments. He notes that this trend runs counter to the results of high-quality studies, w…
Surgery - A2017
Spontaneous photon emission: A promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for breast cancer
Xiaolei Zhao, Jingxiang Pang, Jialei Fu, Yong Wang, Meina Yang, Yanli Liu, Hua Fan, Liewei Zhang, Jinxiang HanIn this animal study, researchers investigated if ultra-weak light emission from the body, called spontaneous photon emission (SPE), could detect breast cancer. They measured light from the skin of mice with breast canc…
Breast cancerSpontaneous photon emission (SPE)Preliminary screeningCluster analysisOxidative metabolic - A2017
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Beatrice SacconiThis commentary proposes a model of fascia not as layers, but as a network of polyhedral microvacuoles of connective tissue. These structures connect the body's systems and can change shape in response to tension, allow…
fasciafibroblastManual TherapyOsteopathicfascial continuum - A2017
Telocytes heterogeneity: From cellular morphology to functional evidence
Dragos Cretoiu, Beatrice Mihaela Radu, Adela Banciu, Daniel Dumitru Banciu, Sanda Maria CretoiuThis review discusses telocytes, a recently identified type of cell found throughout the connective tissue (stroma) of vertebrates. They are characterized by extremely long, thin extensions called telopodes, which form…
cancertelocytesregenerative medicinestem cellsImmunophenotype heterogeneity - A2017
The second terminations of the suboccipital muscles: An assistant pivot for the To Be Named Ligament
Xiao-Ying Yuan, Chan Li, Jia-Ying Sui, Qi-Qi Zhao, Xiao Zhang, Na-Na Mou, Zhao Huang-Fu, Okoye Chukwuemeka Samuel, Nan…In this anatomical dissection study of 35 head-neck specimens, researchers investigated small muscle attachments in the suboccipital region. The scientists confirmed the existence of "second terminations" from several s…
Myodural Bridge - A2017
Implications of immune dysfunction on endometriosis associated infertility
Jessica E Miller, Soo Hyun Ahn, Stephany P Monsanto, Kasra Khalaj, Madhuri Koti, Chandrakant TayadeThis literature review explores the link between endometriosis and infertility, a common issue for which the cause is not fully understood. The authors suggest that dysfunction in the immune system plays a significant r…
cytokines; endometriosis; infertility; inflammation; oxidative stress. - A2017
What's in a name: Myofascial Release or Myofascial Induction?
Leon ChaitowThis commentary discusses two terms for a similar manual therapy technique: Myofascial Release (MFR) and Myofascial Induction Therapy (MIT). The author notes that while the techniques are virtually identical, the names…
Myofascial releaseMyofascial Induction therapy
