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- A++2019
Effects of season long participation on ACL volume in female intercollegiate soccer athletes
Karen M Myrick, Andreas Voss, Richard S Feinn, Thomas Martin, Bernadette M Mele, Juan C GarbalosaThis study investigated how a competitive season affects the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female collegiate soccer players. Researchers used MRI scans to measure ACL volume in 17 athletes before and after their s…
collagenAnterior cruciate ligamentintense physical trainingvolumetric changes in ligamentpre- to post season changes in ligament - 1A+2019
The Other Side of the Fascia: The SmoothMuscle Part 1
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Bruno MorabitoThis theoretical article challenges the standard definition of fascia. Traditionally, fascia is considered connective tissue originating from two embryonic layers, the mesoderm and ectoderm. The authors propose expandin…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicsmooth musclemesoderm - B2019
The Fascial Connections of the Pectineal Ligament
Hanno Steinke, Dina Wiersbicki, Anna Völker, Philipp Pieroh, Charlotte Kulow, Benjamin Wolf, Georg OsterhoffThis anatomical study investigated the detailed fascial connections of the pectineal ligament using dissection and analysis of ten human specimens. Researchers found the ligament acts as a connective tissue junction bet…
tendinous arch of levator aniiliopubic tract; obturator fascia; pectineal ligamentpectineal fascia; Waldeyers’ fascia; Gerota’s fascia; Zuckerkandl’s fascia; Toldt’s fascia - A+2019
Role of a natural integrator based on lipoic acid, palmitoiletanolamide and myrrh in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis
Vincenzo De Leo, Angelo Cagnacci, Valentina Cappelli, Anna Biasioli, Deborah Leonardi, Renato SeracchioliThis study investigated a nutritional supplement for endometriosis-related pain. Sixty women with ovarian endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain took a supplement containing alpha-lipoic acid, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)…
nutraceuticalendometriosispelvic painantioxidant - A+++2019
Vitamin C administration in the critically ill: a summary of recent meta-analyses
Anitra C CarrThis 2019 publication is a summary of recent meta-analyses on the topic of vitamin C administration for critically ill patients. As the full text has not yet been reviewed, a detailed summary of its findings is not avai…
Vitamin CAscorbic acidsepsis - 1A++2019
Evaluation of hyaluronan content in areas of densification compared to adjacent areas of fascia
E J Hughes, K McDermott, M F FunkThis entry is currently a title only, so a full summary is not available. Based on the title, the researchers appear to have evaluated and compared the hyaluronan content in areas of fascial densification with the conte…
hyaluronanfasciadensificationcenters of coordination - A++2019
High Cortisol and the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of the Literature
Sami Ouanes, Julius PoppThis literature review examines the relationship between the stress hormone cortisol and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests that chronically elevated cortisol levels may have deleterious…
cognition; cortisol; dementia; executive functions; memory - 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 - A2019
High-dose vitamin C suppresses the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells via inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Ling-Hui Zeng, Qing-Mei Wang, Lin-Yi Feng, Yu-Dun Ke, Qian-Zi Xu, An-Yi Wei, Chong Zhang, Rong-Biao YingThis study on breast cancer cells in the lab and in mice explored how different doses of vitamin C affect cancer cell behavior. Researchers found that low and medium doses of vitamin C seemed to encourage cancer cells t…
Breast cancermetastasisTGF-β1Vitamin C - 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 - B2019
Extracellular matrix composition of connective tissues: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Turney J McKee, George Perlman, Martin Morris, Svetlana V KomarovaThis systematic review and meta-analysis compiled data to quantify the protein composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in various human connective tissues. Researchers analyzed data from studies on bone, adipose t…
extracellular matrixmatrix remodelingcollagen content - 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