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- C2019
Modelling Cell Origami via a Tensegrity Model of the Cytoskeleton in Adherent Cells
Lili Wang, Weiyi ChenResearchers created a computer model to better understand "cell origami," a technique where the natural pulling forces of cells are used to fold tiny structures. This model represents the cell's internal framework, or c…
Tensegritycytoskeletoncell adhesioncell origami - A+++2019
Vitamin C: an essential “stress hormone” during sepsis
Paul E MarikThe body's stress response involves hormones like cortisol and catecholamines, but in most mammals, it also includes increased production of vitamin C. These substances work together to protect the body from damage duri…
Sepsis; vitamin C; HPA axis; stress response - B2019
The secret life of proteins
Abigail SawyerThe traditional scientific view has long held that single protein molecules are electrical insulators. However, a recent discovery overturns this belief, suggesting instead that proteins are strong electrical conductors…
AntibodyAntigenConductorElectrica L SignalsProtein - 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 - A2019
Role of Hyaluronan in Inflammatory Effects on Human Articular Chondrocytes
Mary K Cowman, Claire Shortt, Shivani Arora, Yuhong Fu, Jemma Villavieja, Jai Rathore, Xiayun Huang, Tatini Rakshit, Gy…Some researchers have proposed that fragments of hyaluronan (HA), a key molecule in connective tissue, can trigger inflammation in cartilage. This study investigated that idea in human articular cartilage cells. Researc…
hyaluronan; hyaluronidase; articular cartilage; chondrocytes; inflammation - A2019
Educational Avenues for Promoting Dialog on Fascia
Rebecca L PrattThis article argues that fascia is a critically important, yet often overlooked, organ system in healthcare education. The author highlights fascia's diverse roles in pathology, fluid movement, proprioception, pain perc…
fascia; connective; tissue; curriculum; anatomy - 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
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 - A2019
Ultrasound Imaging of the Fascial Layers
Carmelo Pirri, Carla Stecco, Levent ÖzçakarThis publication, for which a full summary is not yet available, appears to discuss using ultrasound to visualize the body's fascial layers. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive technique that provides real-time views o…
ultrasound.fascial layers - A2019
Distinct fibroblast subsets drive inflammation and damage in arthritis
Adam P Croft, Joana Campos, Kathrin Jansen, Jason D Turner, Jennifer Marshall, Moustafa Attar, Loriane Savary, Corinna…This study in mice investigated the role of fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, in arthritis. Researchers identified two distinct subsets of fibroblasts with different functions. One type, located in the syno…
Synovial fibroblasts; inflammation; arthritis; transcriptomics; rheumatoid arthritis - A2019
Innervation of the thoracolumbar fascia
Siegfried MenseThis study, conducted primarily on rats, investigated the types of nerves in the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) to better understand its sensory roles. Researchers found only free nerve endings, many of which are associated…
NociceptionThoracolumbar fasciainnervationfree nerve endingsproprioception - A+++2019
Vitamin C and Neutrophil Function: Findings from Randomized Controlled Trials
Mikee Liugan, Anitra C CarrThis systematic review examined how vitamin C supplementation affects neutrophils, a key type of immune cell. Researchers analyzed 16 randomized controlled trials that measured neutrophil functions like their ability to…
vitamin C; ascorbic acid; neutrophils; polymorphonuclear leukocytes; migration; chemotaxis; apoptosis; phagocytosis; oxidative burst; systematic review