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 studiesMechanical control of tissue growth: Function follows form
The full text of this 2005 article has not yet been summarized by our team. The title, "Mechanical control of tissue growth: Function follows form," suggests a focus on how mechanical forces influence the development an…
An Introduction to Human Biophoton Emission
This narrative review explores biophoton emission, the ultraweak light naturally produced by all living systems, including the human body. The authors compiled and analyzed existing research, which has investigated how…
Cannabimimetic Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
In this dual-blind, randomized controlled trial, researchers investigated whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) could produce cannabis-like effects. Thirty-one healthy subjects received either OMT or a sham t…
Cell–Matrix Entanglement and Mechanical Anchorage of Fibroblasts in Three-dimensional Collagen Matrices
Researchers studied how fibroblasts, a key connective tissue cell, behave within a three-dimensional collagen matrix that mimics body tissues. They found the cells' ability to engulf particles (phagocytosis) was reduced…
Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics
Fascia is typically viewed as a passive tissue that transmits force from muscles. This paper explores the hypothesis that fascia may also be able to actively contract on its own, similar to smooth muscle. Researchers po…
Dynamic fibroblast cytoskeletal response to subcutaneous tissue stretch ex vivo and in vivo
In this animal study, researchers investigated how fibroblasts, the primary cells in connective tissue, respond to mechanical stretch. By stretching subcutaneous tissue from mice, both in tissue samples (ex vivo) and in…
Cell tension, matrix mechanics, and cancer development
Doctors can often diagnose cancer by feeling for tissue stiffness, and this study explores how this mechanical property contributes to cancer development. The researchers suggest that the stiff extracellular matrix in t…
A stromal address code defined by fibroblasts
This 2005 review article explores how immune cells (leukocytes) navigate within the body's tissues. The authors propose that fibroblasts create a "stromal address code" that acts as a local guidance system. This code di…
TGF-beta signaling and the fibrotic response
This 2004 narrative review discusses the molecular basis of fibrotic diseases, which are characterized by excessive production and deposition of connective tissue. The authors summarize the state of knowledge concerning…
Integrins in Mechanotransduction
This 2004 review article examines how cells sense and respond to physical forces, a process known as mechanotransduction. The authors focus on integrins, a class of proteins that anchor cells to their surroundings and a…
Role of Extracellular Matrix in Adaptation of Tendon and Skeletal Muscle to Mechanical Loading
This review discusses how the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly collagen, adapts to mechanical loading in tendons and muscles. Physical activity stimulates both the creation and breakdown of collagen, a process e…
Fibroblasts form a body-wide cellular network
In this mouse study, researchers investigated how cells called fibroblasts connect to one another within loose connective tissue. Using various microscopy techniques, they found that fibroblasts form an extensive, web-l…