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
Is It All About the Fascia? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Extramuscular Connective Tissue Lesions in Muscle Strain Injury
Jan Wilke, Luiz Hespanhol, Martin BehrensThis systematic review and meta-analysis examined how often connective tissue is damaged in athletic muscle strains. Researchers analyzed 16 imaging studies and found that lesions to the fascia and tendons are highly pr…
return to play; muscle injury; collagen; imaging; ultrasound; MRI - A+++2019
Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
Juan Mario García-Coronado, Lorena Martínez-Olvera, Rodrigo E Elizondo-Omaña, Carlos Alberto Acosta-Olivo, Félix Vilche…This meta-analysis of five randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluated the impact of oral collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. The findings suggest that collagen may help reduce the overall disea…
Collagen supplementation; Meta-analysis; Osteoarthritis symptoms; Visual Analogue Scale; WOMAC index - 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
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
Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Pelvic Fascia
Marco A Siccardi, Cristina ValleThis anatomical review describes the pelvis not as a rigid, static base, but as a dynamic structure. Applying a biotensegrity model, the authors explain how the pelvic bones are suspended within a complex web of tension…
Pelvispelvic fascia - A2019
Experimental myofascial trigger point creation in rodents
Ramon Margalef, Marc Sisquella, Marc Bosque, Clara Romeu, Orlando Mayoral, Sonia Monterde, Mercedes Priego, Rafael Guer…This animal study investigated how myofascial trigger points might form. Researchers treated mice and rats with a substance that increases nerve signals to the muscles, mimicking a state of high neurotransmission. This…
animal model; endplate noise; myofascial pain syndrome; myofascial trigger point; spontaneous acetylcholine release - C2019
Involvement of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1b in the Development of Acid-Induced Chronic Muscle Pain
Chu-Ting Chang, Sitt Wai Fong, [...], Chih-Cheng ChenIn this animal study, researchers investigated the role of a specific ion channel, called ASIC1b, in the development of chronic muscle pain. They created a fibromyalgia-like condition by injecting acid into the leg musc…
FibromyalgiapainASICASIC1bASIC3 - 1A+2019
The Other Side of the Fascia: Visceral Fascia, Part 2
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Bruno MorabitoThis editorial, part two of a series, argues for including certain internal organs (viscera) within the definition of fascia. From an osteopathic perspective, the authors suggest that understanding these organs as fasci…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicsmooth musclemesoderm - A2019
Association of thoraco-lumbar fascia length in individuals with non-specific low back pain - an observational study
Shellette D' Almeida, Charu Eapen, Shyam KrishnanThis observational study compared 31 people with non-specific low back pain to 31 healthy individuals to investigate the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). Researchers measured TLF length by assessing lumbar spine rotation, an…
low back painthoracolumar fascia lenght - A++2019
Vitamin C Can Shorten the Length of Stay in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis
Harri Hemilä, Elizabeth ChalkerThis meta-analysis reviewed data from 18 controlled trials involving over 2000 patients to assess if vitamin C affects the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The results suggest that vitamin C supplementat…
antioxidants; burns; artificial respiration; cardiac surgical procedures; cardiovascular system; critical care; dietary supplements; oxidative stress; sepsis; systematic review - 1A+2019
A Primitive Trait in Two Breeds of Equus Caballus Revealed by Comparative Anatomy of the Distal Limb
Sharon May-Davis, Zefanja Vermeulen, Wendy Y BrownThis comparative anatomy study investigated the lower limbs of 574 equids, including 18 horse breeds, donkeys, zebras, and Przewalski's horses. Researchers looked for two specific ligamentous structures that are remnant…
2nd3rd4th Interosseous muscle; Dutch Konik; Bosnian Mountain Horse; Donkey; Przewalski; Zebra; Atavism - 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