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
Plantar fascia anatomy and its relationship with Achilles tendon and paratenon
Carla Stecco, Marco Corradin, Veronica Macchi, Aldo Morra, Andrea Porzionato, Carlo Biz, Raffaele De CaroThis study investigated the detailed anatomy of the plantar fascia and its connection to the Achilles tendon. Dissections of human cadavers revealed that the fascia is more closely linked to the paratenon (the tendon's…
hyaluronanfasciaFasciacyteachilles tendonparatenon - A2013
A Randomized Steady-State Bioavailability Study of Synthetic versus Natural (Kiwifruit-Derived) Vitamin C
Anitra C Carr, Stephanie M Bozonet, Juliet M Pullar, Jeremy W Simcock, Margreet C M VissersThis randomized study investigated whether the body absorbs vitamin C from kiwifruit as effectively as from a synthetic supplement. Thirty-six young men received either half a kiwifruit or an equivalent dose (50 mg) vit…
ascorbate; ascorbic acid; human; plasma; urine; semen; leukocytes; skeletal muscle - 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
The Primo Vascular System as a New Anatomical System
Miroslav Stefanov, Michael Potroz, Jungdae Kim, Jake Lim, Richard Cha, Min-Ho NamThis review paper proposes the existence of a "primo vascular system" (PVS) as the physical, anatomical basis for the meridian system of traditional Eastern medicine. According to the authors, this previously unknown sy…
fasciaEvolutioncirculatory systemnew morphologicalfunctional theory - A2013
Cellular Control of Connective Tissue Matrix Tension
H M Langevin, M Nedergaard, A HoweThis review article explores how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, actively help regulate tissue tension. Traditionally, the mechanical properties of connective tissue have been attributed to its passive…
Connective tissuefibroblastmechanicalatpcytoskeleton - A2013
Visceral and Somatic Disorders: Tissue Softening with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent
Carolyn R McMakin, James L OschmanThis review article explores a technique called Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM), which uses microampere-level electrical currents to treat various health conditions. A consistent finding is a rapid and palpable so…
fasciafrequency-specific microcurrentvisceral diseasesomatic disease - A2013
Telocytes: ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and electrophysiological characteristics in human myometrium
Sanda M Cretoiu, Dragos Cretoiu, Adela Marin, Beatrice Mihaela Radu, Laurentiu M PopescuThis study identifies a specific cell type, telocytes, within the muscular wall of both the pregnant and non-pregnant human uterus. Researchers found that these cells have a different structure depending on whether the…
telocytesuterine - 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
Applications and Emerging Trends of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue Engineering, as a Dermal Filler, and in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Amir Fakhari, Cory BerklandThis narrative review summarizes knowledge about hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring polymer found in the body's connective tissues and fluids. The authors describe how HA contributes to the structural propertie…
fasciaHyaluronic acidcrosslinkingdermal fillerviscosupplement - A2013
Helical Structure of the Cardiac Ventricular Anatomy Assessed by Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Multiresolution Tractography
Ferran Poveda, Debora Gil, Enric Marti, Albert,aluz, Manel Ballester, Francesc CarrerasIn this animal study, researchers used advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer modeling to visualize the complex fiber structure of the heart muscle in dogs. They developed an automated method to trace th…
fasciaheartifdfusion magnetic resonance imagingdiffusion tractographyhelical heart - 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