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
Hyaluronan/collagen hydrogels containing sulfated hyaluronan improve wound healing by sustained release of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor
Stephan Thönes, Sandra Rother, Tom Wippold, Joanna Blaszkiewicz, Kanagasabai Balamurugan, Stephanie Moeller, Gloria Rui…This study investigated a new type of hydrogel designed to improve wound healing. Researchers combined collagen and hyaluronan (HA), a natural component of connective tissue, with a growth factor that stimulates skin ce…
Biomimetic material; Extracellular matrix (ECM); Fibroblasts; Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF); Hyaluronan; Hydrogel; Sulfated hyaluronan; Surface plasmon resonance; Wound healing. - A+2019
Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue
Ulrike Hass, Catrin Herpich, Kristina NormanThis narrative review explores the link between pro-inflammatory status and chronic disease-related fatigue in conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. While evidence for individual nutrien…
anti-inflammatory nutrition; cancer; chronic fatigue; cytokines; fatigue reduction diet; inflammation; myalgic encephalomyelitis; omega-3 fatty acids; polyphenols; probiotics. - A2019
Biotensegrity or Fascintegrity
Bruno Bordoni, Matthew A Varacallo, Bruno Morabito, Marta SimonelliIn this theoretical review, the authors question the popular "biotensegrity" model for describing the body's mechanics. They argue the model is incomplete because it fails to account for crucial factors like bodily flui…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicphysiotherapyskeletal muscle - A++2019
A History of Fascia
Sue Adstrum, H NicholsonThis historiographic review surveys how the anatomical term "fascia" has been portrayed throughout history. The authors found that its meaning has varied considerably during the 400 years the term has been used in Engli…
anatomical terminology; fascia; fascial system; integrative anatomy; medical history - A++2019
Vitamin C Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis by Affecting the Expression of YAP1 and Synaptopodin 2
Liping Gan, Vladimir Camarena, Sushmita Mustafi, Gaofeng WangIn this study using cell cultures and animal models, researchers investigated how vitamin C might inhibit the spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). They found that vitamin C, at concentrations achievable throu…
F-actin; HIF-1α; YAP1; hippo pathway; lamellipodia; metastasis; synaptopodin 2; triple-negative breast cancer; vitamin C. - 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 - A++2019
Ketogenic Diet and Microbiota: Friends or Enemies
Antonio Paoli, Laura Mancin, Antonino Bianco, Ewan Thomas, João Felipe Mota, Fabio PicciniThis narrative review explores the relationship between the very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) and the gut microbiota. The community of microbes in our gut is a dynamic entity known to play a fundamental role…
gut microbiota; gut microbiome; intestinal microbiome; ketogenic diet; ketogenic diet and fat - 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 - A2019
3D volumetric MR arthrographic assessment of shoulder joint capacity in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis
Hayri Ogul, Nurmuhammet Tas, Kutsi Tuncer, Gokhan Polat, Yasemin Ogul, Berhan Pirimoglu, Mecit KantarciThis study used 3D MR arthrography to measure and compare shoulder joint volume in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) against a healthy control group. Researchers found that the patient group ha…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitisMR arthrography - A2019
The Primo Vascular System as a Possible Exosomal Route Across the Body: Implications for Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis
Chiara GhironThis literature review proposes a possible link between the primo vascular system (PVS)—a network associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians—and the way cancer spreads. The theory is that exosomes, tiny vesi…
cancer microenvironment; exosomes; hyaluronic acid; primo vascular system; tumor metastasis. - A2019
The neural basis of the senses of effort, force and heaviness
Uwe Proske, Trevor AllenThis narrative review explores how we sense effort, force, and heaviness during muscle contraction. Traditionally, these sensations were thought to originate in the brain from copies of motor commands. However, new evid…
Force sense · Proprioception · Muscle spindle · Tendon organ · Motor command · Efference copy · Vibration - 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