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
Evaluation of the Structure of Myodural Bridges in an Equine Model of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
Abigail McElroy, Ann Rashmir, Jane Manfredi, Dodd Sledge, Elizabeth Carr, Edward Stopa, Petra KlingeThis animal study investigated myodural bridges—connective tissue links between small neck muscles and the spinal cord's outer covering (dura mater)—in horses. Researchers compared horses with a genetic connective tissu…
Myodural BridgeEhlers-danlos syndromes - A+++2019
Cannabis sativa L. extract and cannabidiol inhibit in vitro mediators of skin inflammation and wound injury
Enrico Sangiovanni, Marco Fumagalli, Barbara Pacchetti, Stefano Piazza, Andrea Magnavacca, Saba Khalilpour, Gloria Melz…This in vitro study investigated how Cannabis sativa extract and its component cannabidiol (CBD) affect inflammation in human skin cells. Researchers found that both the extract and pure CBD reduced the release of sever…
Cannabis sativa L.; cannabidiol; fibroblasts; keratinocytes; skin inflammation; wound injury. - A+2019
Ultrasound-detected connective tissue involvement in acute muscle injuries in elite athletes and return to play: The French National Institute of Sports (INSEP) study
Jérôme Renoux, Jean-Louis Brasseur, Mathilde Wagner, Alain Frey, Dominique Folinais, Christian Dibie, Djamila Maiza, Mi…This study examined 70 elite athletes with acute muscle injuries. Researchers used ultrasound within seven days to assess injury severity and to see if connective tissue was involved. They then tracked the time it took…
ultrasound.return to playMuscle injuriesConnective tissue injury - A+++2019
New Insights of Uterine Leiomyoma Pathogenesis: Endocannabinoid System
Thangesweran Ayakannu, Anthony H Taylor, Timothy H Marczylo, Justin C KonjeThis study investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in the development of uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids. Researchers analyzed tissue samples and found that the expression of specific receptor…
CannabinoidsCannabinoid receptorsuterine myomfibroids - A2019
Role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the development of frozen shoulder: human data and experimental analysis in a rat contracture model
Chul-Hyun Cho, Yun-Mee Lho, Ilseon Hwang, Du Hwan KimThis study investigated the biological processes behind frozen shoulder, a condition characterized by pain and stiffness. Researchers analyzed joint capsule tissue from both patients with frozen shoulder and from a rat…
inflammationfibrosisfrozen shoulderimmobilizationrat; matrix metalloproteinases - A++2019
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients
Stephan F E Praet, Craig R Purdam, Marijke Welvaert, Nicole Vlahovich, Gregg Lovell, Louise M Burke, Jamie E Gaida, Sil…This pilot study investigated whether supplementing with specific collagen peptides could improve symptoms for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Participants combined a calf-strengthening program with either…
achilles tendon; microvessels; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; hydrolysed collagen supplementation - 1A+2019
Bone Tissue is an Integral Part of the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Maria Marcella LaganaThis review article proposes that bone tissue should be considered an integral part of the fascial system, a departure from the current definition. The authors support this by highlighting the shared embryological origi…
fasciaBonefascial systemMyofascial - 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 - A++2019
Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure
Alpha A Fowler, Jonathon D Truwit, R Duncan Hite, Peter E Morris, Christine DeWilde, Anna Priday, Bernard Fisher, Leroy…This randomized controlled trial investigated whether intravenous vitamin C could help patients with sepsis and severe acute respiratory failure. Researchers gave 167 patients either a high-dose vitamin C infusion or a…
sepsisintravenous vitamin C - A2019
Lipedema: friend and foe
Yanira Sanchez-De la Torre, Rita Wadeea, Victoria Rosas, Karen L HerbstLipedema is a chronic disorder characterized by painful, disproportionate fat accumulation in the limbs of women, and is often misdiagnosed as obesity. In this review, researchers examined both the negative ('foe') and…
gynoid fat; hypermobility; lipedema; lymphedema; women - A++2019
Stress Relaxation and Targeted Nutrition to Treat Patellar Tendinopathy
Keith BaarThis case study outlines the rehabilitation of a professional basketball player with patellar tendinopathy. The athlete undertook a program combining gelatin ingestion with heavy isometric loading of the patellar tendon…
RehabilitationtendonexerciseLoadingjumper’s knee - B2019
Blocking around the transversalis fascia: behind the scene
Francesco Vasques, Carla Stecco, Raffaele Mitri, Raffaele De Caro, Pierfrancesco Fusco, Astrid U BehrThis cadaver study investigated the anatomy of the transversalis fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue in the abdominal wall, to understand its role in certain nerve blocks. Through dissection and microscopic analys…
Nerve block - abdominal wallanatomy and histology - Fascia.