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
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
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 - 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 - 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 - A++2019
Effects of season long participation on ACL volume in female intercollegiate soccer athletes
Karen M Myrick, Andreas Voss, Richard S Feinn, Thomas Martin, Bernadette M Mele, Juan C GarbalosaThis study investigated how a competitive season affects the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female collegiate soccer players. Researchers used MRI scans to measure ACL volume in 17 athletes before and after their s…
collagenAnterior cruciate ligamentintense physical trainingvolumetric changes in ligamentpre- to post season changes in ligament - A2019
Effects of foam rolling on performance and recovery: A systematic review of the literature to guide practitioners on the use of foam rolling
Sharief Hendricks, Hayd'n Hill, Steve den Hollander, Wayne Lombard, Romy ParkerThis systematic review analyzed 49 studies to understand how foam rolling affects athletic performance and recovery. The authors found evidence that foam rolling can decrease muscle stiffness and improve range of motion…
FlexibilityFoam rollingPerformanceRecovery - 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 - 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 - 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 - A++2019
High Cortisol and the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of the Literature
Sami Ouanes, Julius PoppThis literature review examines the relationship between the stress hormone cortisol and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests that chronically elevated cortisol levels may have deleterious…
cognition; cortisol; dementia; executive functions; memory - A++2019
Development of a biotensegrity focused therapy for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A retrospective case series
Anna Crowle, Clare HarleyThis retrospective case series explores a new biotensegrity-focused therapy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Challenging the common view that POP is caused by weak tissue, this approach hypothesizes that the condition i…
Myofascial releasebiotensegrityPelvic organ prolapsePelvic tension