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- A2013
Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity—a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease
Gaétan Chevalier, Stephen T Sinatra, James L Oschman, Richard M DelanyThis small study investigated how direct physical contact with the earth, known as 'grounding' or 'earthing', affects blood properties. Ten healthy participants were grounded for two hours using conductive patches on th…
fasciaearthinggroundingearth surface electronscardiovasclar disease - A2013
Histological examination of the human obliquus capitis inferior myodural bridge
Matthew E Pontella, Frank Scali, Dennis E Enix, Patrick J Battaglia, Ewarld MarshallThis cadaver study examined the connection between a deep neck muscle, the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI), and the dura mater, the tough outer layer covering the spinal cord. Researchers dissected tissue from eight cad…
fasciacervical spineMyodural Bridgeobliquus capitis inferiordura - A2013
Dosed Myofascial Release in Three-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Human Fibroblast Hyperplasia, Hypertrophy, and Cytokine Secretion
Thanh V Cao, Michael R Hicks, David Campbell, Paul R StandleyThis laboratory study investigated how different amounts and durations of simulated myofascial release (MFR) affect lab-grown human tendon tissue. Researchers applied varying degrees of stretch for different lengths of…
fasciamusculoskeletal manipulationsFibroblaststendons - A2013
Training principles for fascial connective tissues: Scientific foundation and suggested practical applications
Robert Schleip, Divo Gitta MüllerConventional sports training often emphasizes muscles, cardiovascular conditioning, and coordination, yet most overload injuries occur within the body's connective tissue network, or fascia. This review article proposes…
fasciaStretchingfascial netCollagen renewalelastic recoil - A2013
Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: influence of respiration on the body system
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis review article explains why the diaphragm muscle is a critical crossroads of information for the entire body. The authors describe its extensive anatomical, fascial, and neurological connections, which link it to s…
fasciadiaphragmPelvisphrenic nervevagus nerve - A2013
Molecular assembly and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix: A fibrous protein perspective
Lisa D Muiznieks, Fred W KeeleyThis review article examines the extracellular matrix (ECM), the dynamic network of molecules surrounding our cells. The authors focus on fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin, which form the structural backbone of…
fasciaextracellular matrixcollageneastinself-assembly - A2013
Heparan sulfate in the nucleus and its control of cellular functions
Mark D Stewart, Ralph D SandersonThis narrative review discusses the roles of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) inside the cell nucleus. These molecules are typically found on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix, where they help regula…
ProteoglycanSyndecan-1Nuclear localizationChromatin modificationProliferation - A2013
Complete Obstetric Anal Sphincter Tear and Risk of Long-term Fecal Incontinence: A Cohort Study
Mette M Soerensen, Steen Buntzen, Karl M Bek, Søren LaurbergThis cohort study followed women for over 20 years to assess the long-term effects of complete anal sphincter tears during childbirth. Researchers compared 125 women who experienced such a tear with 238 women who gave b…
Anal sphincter injury; Fecal incontinence; Quality of life. - A2013
Purine receptor mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling of human fibroblasts
Nanna Goldman, Devin Chandler-Militello, Helene Langevin, Maiken Nedergaard, Takahiro TakanoThis laboratory study investigated how certain molecules, called purines, affect human fibroblast cells. Previous research has shown that acupuncture can trigger the release of purines like ATP. The researchers exposed…
fasciacytoskeletonacupunctureFibroblastscalcium signaling - A2013
A pilot study of myofascial release therapy compared to Swedish massage in Fibromyalgia
Ginevra Liptan, Scott Mist, Cheryl Wright, Anna Arzt, Kim Dupree JonesThis small pilot study compared the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and Swedish massage on women with fibromyalgia. Participants received either MFR or Swedish massage for 90 minutes weekly over four weeks. While bo…
fasciaMyofascial releaseFibromyalgiamassage therapycentral sensitization - A2013
Sensory findings after stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia with hypertonic saline suggest its contribution to low back pain
Andreas Schilder, Ulrich Hoheisel, Walter Magerl, Justus Benrath, Thomas Klein, Rolf-Detlef TreedeThis experimental study investigated the role of the thoracolumbar fascia as a potential source of low back pain. Researchers injected a pain-inducing saline solution into the fascia, back muscles, and subcutaneous tiss…
fasciaThoracolumbar fascialow back painhypertonic salineerector spinae muscle - A2013
Nociception originating from the crural fascia in rats
T Taguchi, M Yasui, A Kubo, M Abe, H Kiyama, A Yamanaka, K MizumuraThis animal study investigated how the crural fascia, the connective tissue around the lower leg muscles, might be a source of pain signals in rats. Researchers found that this fascia is densely populated with nerve fib…
fasciacrural fascianociceptorsactivity-dependent change in conduction velocity (ADCCV)twin pulse difference (TPD)