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- A2019
Benefits of adding stretching to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programme in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial
Miguel Gómez-Hernández, Tomás Gallego-Izquierdo, Patricia Martínez-Merinero, Daniel Pecos-Martín, Alejandro Ferragut-Ga…This randomized controlled trial investigated whether adding stretching to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program provided extra benefits for women with fibromyalgia. One group performed moderate aerobic exercise…
FibromyalgiaStretchingpainsleep qualityquality of life - A2019
Hierarchical Hydrogel Composite Interfaces with Robust Mechanical Properties for Biomedical Applications
Yuting Zhu, Qiang Zhang, Xiaoli Shi, Dong HanThis review summarizes advances in hydrogel composites, materials designed to mimic the body's extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells naturally sense and respond to the mechanical properties and physical structure of the ECM…
tissue engineeringECMHydrogels - A2019
Hyaluronan: molecular size-dependent signaling and biological functions in inflammation and cancer
Anastasia G Tavianatou, Ilaria Caon, Marco Franchi, Zoi Piperigkou, Devis Galesso, Nikos K KaramanosThis narrative review explores how hyaluronan (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix, functions differently depending on its molecular size. Large, high-molecular weight HA has different biological properties…
cancer; CD44; cell signaling; hyaluronan; inflammation; pharmacological targeting; RHAMM - A2019
Suboccipital Myodural Bridges Revisited: Application to Cervicogenic Headaches
KEI KITAMURA, KWANG HO CHO, MASAHITO YAMAMOTO, MICHITAKE ISHII, GEN MURAKAMI, JOSÉ FRANCISCO RODRÍGUEZ-VÁZQUEZ, SHIN-IC…This anatomical study investigated the connective tissue structures, known as myodural bridges, in the suboccipital region of 30 human fetuses. Researchers identified two types of these bridges connecting muscles at the…
fetuses; atlas; cervical; cervical vertebra axis; pachymeninx; elastic fibers; cervicogenic headaches - A2019
Fascial Nomenclature: An Update
Bruno Bordoni, Stevan Walkowski, Bruno Morabito, Matthew A VaracalloThis review article discusses the ongoing challenge of creating a single, comprehensive definition for fascia. The authors argue that different scientific and clinical fields view fascia through their own unique lenses,…
fasciamechanotransductionMyofascialOsteopathicphysiotherapy - A2018
The myodural bridges’ existence in the sperm whale
Pei Liu, Chan Li, Nan Zheng, Xiaoying Yuan, Yutong Zhou, Pu Chun, Yanyan Chi, Campbell Gilmore, Shengbo Yu, Hongjin SuiIn this anatomical animal study, researchers examined tissue from a sperm whale to see if it possessed a myodural bridge, a connection between the neck muscles and the dura mater previously identified in humans. The inv…
Myodural Bridge - A2018
The myodural bridge in the common rock pigeon (Columbia livia): Morphology and possible physiological implications
Chukwuemeka Samuel Okoye, Nan Zheng, Sheng-Bo Yu, Hong-Jin SuiIn this anatomical study on pigeons, researchers investigated a connective tissue structure called the myodural bridge. Through dissections and tissue analysis of the suboccipital region where the skull meets the neck,…
Connective tissuecerebrospinal fluiddura materbirdhistological sections - A2018
Low Back Pain: The Potential Contribution of Supraspinal Motor Control and Proprioception
Michael Lukas Meier, Andrea Vrana, Petra SchweinhardtThis narrative review explores how motor control—the brain's management of posture and movement—adapts in people with low back pain. While these movement adaptations may reduce pain in the short term, they can sometimes…
proprioceptionlow back painmotor controlchronic painmotor cortex - 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
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 - A2018
Effectiveness of 3-dimensional shoulder ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears
Aiping Teng, Fanxiao Liu, Dongsheng Zhou, Tao He, Yan Chevalier, Roland M KlarIn this meta-analysis, researchers combined data from seven studies involving 282 patients to evaluate the effectiveness of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. The analysis found that 3D ultr…
3-dimensional ultrasounddiagnostic valuemeta-analysisrotator cuff tears - 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