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++2022
Blood supply to the superficial fascia of the abdomen:An anatomical study
Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Caterina Fede, Diego Guidolin, Cesare Tiengo, Raffaele De Caro, Carla SteccoThis anatomical study investigated the blood supply to Scarpa's fascia, the superficial fascia of the abdominal wall, using tissue samples from seven volunteers. The researchers demonstrated that this fascia is a highly…
Subcutaneous tissueFlapssuperficial fasciahypodermislymphatics - A+++2022
H2 Inhibits the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Kohsuke Shirakawa, Eiji Kobayashi, Genki Ichihara, Hiroki Kitakata, Yoshinori Katsumata, Kazuhisa Sugai, Yoji Hakamata,…This study investigates how molecular hydrogen (H2) may inhibit the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are web-like DNA structures released by the immune system. While NETs help fight infections,…
BALbronchoalveolar lavage; CVDcardiovascular disease; CitH3citrullinated histone H3; H2; HOClhypochlorous acid; LPS - A+++2022
The Olympic motto through the lens of equestrian sports
Sarah Jane Hobbs, Hilary M ClaytonThis feature article examines the biomechanics of horses across the three Olympic equestrian disciplines: eventing, show jumping, and dressage. The authors describe how the equine body adapts to meet demands for speed,…
horsecentre of massdressageeventingjumping - A++2022
Evidence of Renin-Angiotensin System Receptors in Deep Fascia: A Role in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Fibrogenesis?
Carmelo Pirri, Brasilina Caroccia, Andrea Angelini, Lucia Petrelli, Maria Piazza, Carlo Biz, Pietro Ruggieri, Raffaele…This study investigated the presence of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in the deep fascia, specifically the thoracolumbar fascia of the lower back. Researchers found that receptors for angiotensin II, particu…
Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R); angiotensin receptor; angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); fascia; fibrosis; remodeling; renin–angiotensin system; thoracolumbar fascia. - A++2022
Innervation of human superficial fascia
Caterina Fede, Lucia Petrelli, Carmelo Pirri, Winfried Neuhuber, Cesare Tiengo, Carlo Biz, Raffaele De Caro, Robert Sch…This study examined the superficial fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue within the skin's fat layer, to understand its nerve supply. Researchers found that this tissue is densely packed with nerves, particularly a…
autonomic innervation; hypodermis; innervation; nerve fibers; superficial fascia. - A++2022
The effect of low-intensity whole-body vibration with or without high-intensity resistance and impact training on risk factors for proximal femur fragility fracture in postmenopausal women with low bone mass: study protocol for the VIBMOR randomized controlled trial
Belinda Beck, Clinton Rubin, Amy Harding, Sanjoy Paul, Mark ForwoodThis document outlines the plan for a clinical trial investigating non-drug approaches for low bone mass in postmenopausal women. The study will compare the effects of low-intensity whole-body vibration, high-intensity…
exercisevibrationFractureHiRITOsteoporosis - A++2022
Differential Sensitization of Muscle versus Fascia in Individuals with Low Back Pain
Ronen Cozacov, Amir Minerbi, May Haddad, Simon VulfsonsThis clinical study investigated pain sensitivity in both muscle and deep fascia among individuals with low back pain compared to healthy controls. Using ultrasound-guided needling of the quadratus lumborum muscle and i…
fascia; myofascial pain; pain sensitization - A+++2022
Pilot study assessing the effect of Fascial Manipulation on fascial densifications and associated pain
Emmett Hughes, Jessica M Koenig, Robert S Lee, Kena McDermott, Tina Freilicher, Mark H PitcherThis pilot study investigated if Fascial Manipulation (FM) could reduce the thickness of fascial densifications and the acute pain associated with them. Researchers used ultrasound to measure densifications and asked pa…
Fascial manipulation; pain; densification; sex differences; diagnostic ultrasound - A2022
The Flares of Low back pain with Activity Research Study (FLAReS): study protocol for a case-crossover study nested within a cohort study
Pradeep Suri, Adrienne D Tanus, Nikki Torres, Andrew Timmons, Bianca Irimia, Janna L Friedly, Anna Korpak, Clinton Dani…This study protocol describes the FLAReS project, which aims to clarify the complex relationship between physical activity and low back pain flares. The researchers intend to distinguish between transient, short-term ef…
Disability; Episodes; Exacerbations; Flare-up; Flares; Low back pain; Recurrence. - B2022
Effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits
J X Li, S Y Xie, Z Q Zhang, C Z Zhang, L LinThis animal study explored how different intensities of vibration affect rabbit skeletal muscle at a cellular level. Researchers applied low, medium, or high-intensity vibration to the hind limbs of rabbits for 45 days.…
Mitochondrial fusion and fission genes; Rabbit; Skeletal muscle; Ultrastructure; Vibration - A++2022
Interdisciplinarity and mechanobiology
Donald E Ingber, Dino Di CarloMechanobiology is an interdisciplinary field that studies how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in their environment. In this article, pioneers Donald Ingber and Dino Di Carlo discuss how physical forces infl…
biotensegrity - A2022
Local Estrogen Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Xia Yu, Li He, Yanjun Wang, Li Wang, Zhenglin Yang, Yonghong LinThis systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed seven randomized controlled trials to evaluate the impact of local estrogen therapy on pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that while the…
Estrogen; Pelvic organ prolapse; Postmenopausal women; Quality of life; Vaginal health