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- 1A+2019
The fascial breath
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Bruno MorabitoThis narrative review proposes a new way of understanding the diaphragm muscle, moving beyond a purely mechanical view. The authors argue that the diaphragm is not just covered by fascia but is fundamentally a fascial t…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicdiaphragmbreathing - 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 - A2019
The myodural bridge complex defined as a new functional structure
Nan Zheng, Beom Sun Chung, Yi-Lin Li, Tai-Yuan Liu, Lan-Xin Zhang, Yang-Yang Ge, Nan-Xing Wang, Zhi-Hong Zhang, Lin Cai…The myodural bridge is a known connective tissue link between the deep suboccipital muscles and the spinal cord's outermost covering, the dura mater. In this anatomical study, researchers examined its precise structure…
Myodural BridgeThree-dimensional visualization modelP45 plastinated slicesSuboccipital region - A++2019
Rehabilitation and nutrition protocols for optimising return to play from traditional ACL reconstruction in elite rugby union players: A case study
Gregory Shaw, Ben Serpell, Keith BaarThis case report followed two professional rugby players undergoing rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In addition to a standard rehabilitation program, they received specific suppl…
collagenRehabilitationnutritionACL - A2019
Tissue Regeneration from Mechanical Stretching of Cell–Cell Adhesion
Amir Monemian Esfahani, Jordan Rosenbohm, Keerthana Reddy, Xiaowei Jin, Tasneem Bouzid, Brandon Riehl, Eunju Kim, Jung…This narrative review explores how mechanical stretching can stimulate tissue regeneration and wound healing. Researchers have long known that cells respond to mechanical forces, but much of the focus has been on the co…
wound healingmechanotransductioncell–cell adhesionmechanical stretchingtissue regeneration - A++2019
Local Vibration Stimuli Induce Mechanical Stress-Induced Factors and Facilitate Recovery From Immobilization-Induced Oxidative Myofiber Atrophy in Rats
Fusako Usuki, Masatake Fujimura, Atsushi Nakamura, Jiro Nakano, Minoru Okita, Itsuro HiguchiThis study on rats investigated whether local vibration could help muscles recover after being immobilized. Researchers put a cast on one hindlimb of the rats for a week to induce muscle atrophy. After removing the cast…
YAP1; local vibration; mechano-growth factor; mechanotransduction; oxidative myofiber atrophy; satellite cell; therapeutics. - A+++2019
Tentorium Cerebelli: Muscles, Ligaments, and Dura Mater, Part 1
Bruno Bordoni, Marta Simonelli, Maria Marcella LaganaIn this narrative review, the authors describe the anatomy of the tentorium cerebelli, part of the reciprocal tension membranes that divide areas of the brain. They highlight its connections to the dura mater, ligaments…
fasciafascial systemdura matercraniotentorium cerebelli - A2019
Dermatome and Fasciatome
Carla Stecco, Carmelo Pirri, Caterina Fede, Chenglei Fan, Federico Giordani, Luigi Stecco, Calogero Foti, Raffaele De C…This theoretical paper proposes a new distinction between the body's sensory maps, based on increased knowledge of fascial innervation. The authors define a "dermatome" as the area of skin and superficial fascia supplie…
fascia; dermatome; nerve; pain; proprioception - 1A+2019
The Awareness of the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Marta SimonelliIn this theoretical article, the authors propose a new way of looking at the fascial system, drawing on concepts from quantum physics. They suggest that fascial cells can sense, remember, and even anticipate mechanical…
fasciafascial systemMyofascialquantum physicsphysiology - A2019
Quantifying muscle glycosaminoglycan levels in patients with post-stroke muscle stiffness using T1p MRI
Rajiv G Menon, Preeti Raghavan, Ravinder R RegatteThis study is the first to quantify the amount of hyaluronan, a key component for gliding movements within fascia. Researchers measured hyaluronan in tissue samples from various human anatomical sites and found that the…
hyaluronanStrokestiffnesshyaluronidase - A++2019
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients
Stephan F E Praet, Craig R Purdam, Marijke Welvaert, Nicole Vlahovich, Gregg Lovell, Louise M Burke, Jamie E Gaida, Sil…This pilot study investigated whether supplementing with specific collagen peptides could improve symptoms for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Participants combined a calf-strengthening program with either…
achilles tendon; microvessels; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; hydrolysed collagen supplementation - 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