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 - 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 - A2019
Fascial Nomenclature: An Update
Bruno Bordoni, Stevan Walkowski, Bruno Morabito, Matthew A VaracalloThis review article discusses the ongoing challenge of creating a single, comprehensive definition for fascia. The authors argue that different scientific and clinical fields view fascia through their own unique lenses,…
fasciamechanotransductionMyofascialOsteopathicphysiotherapy - 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 - 1A+2019
Role of fasciae in nonspecific low back pain
G Casato, Carla Stecco, R BusinResearch increasingly links the thoracolumbar fascia to non-specific low back pain. This small case study explored the idea that pain could originate elsewhere in the body's continuous fascial network. Five patients wit…
fascianonspecific low back painlimb myofascial manipulationfascial continuitycase series - 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 - A++2019
Fascial organisation of motor synergies: a hypothesis
Alessandro Garofolini, Daris SvaneraThis hypothesis paper explores how fascia helps organize movement through what are known as motor synergies. It suggests that instead of the brain controlling every muscle individually, the fascial system acts as a phys…
Motor control; degrees of freedom; movement coordination; muscle spindle; myofascial continuity. - 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
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
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 - A+2019
Role of a natural integrator based on lipoic acid, palmitoiletanolamide and myrrh in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis
Vincenzo De Leo, Angelo Cagnacci, Valentina Cappelli, Anna Biasioli, Deborah Leonardi, Renato SeracchioliThis study investigated a nutritional supplement for endometriosis-related pain. Sixty women with ovarian endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain took a supplement containing alpha-lipoic acid, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)…
nutraceuticalendometriosispelvic painantioxidant