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+2018
The Fasciacytes- A New Cell Devoted To Fascial Gliding Regulation
Carla Stecco, Caterina Fede, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Lucia Petrelli, Carlo Biz, Robert Stern, Raffaele De C…Researchers have identified a new type of cell within fascia, which they have named "fasciacytes." This study presents evidence that these specialized cells are responsible for producing hyaluronan, a key component of t…
hyaluronanfasciafasciacytesextracellular matrix - A2018
Orientation and property of fibers of the myodural bridge in humans
Nan Zheng, Yan-Yan Chi, Xiao-Han Yang, Nan-Xing Wang, Yi-Lin Li, Yang-Yang Ge, Lan-Xin Zhang, Tai-Yuan Liu, Xiao-Ying Y…The myodural bridge is a fibrous connection between the deep suboccipital muscles of the neck and the spinal dura mater, the tough outer covering of the spinal cord. In this anatomical study, researchers investigated th…
Atlanto-axial interspace; Atlanto-occipital interspace; Collagen I fibers; Histologic staining; Myodural bridge; Suboccipital muscles; Vertebral dural ligament - C2018
Anatomy of the fasciae and fascial spaces of the maxillofacial and the anterior neck regions
Seiichiro KitamuraThis narrative review simplifies the complex anatomy of the fascia in the face, jaw, and front of the neck. The author organizes the region into four distinct portions based on their relationship to a key fascial layer,…
fasciaFascial spaceGross anatomyMaxillofacial regionAnterior neck - 1A+++2018
Quantification of hyaluronan in human fasciae: variations with function and anatomical site
Caterina Fede, A Angelini, R Stern, V Macchi, A Porzionato, P Ruggieri, R De Caro, Carla SteccoThis study quantified for the first time the amount of hyaluronan (HA), a key lubricant, in human fascia from different parts of the body. Since HA is essential for the smooth gliding between fascial layers, understandi…
densification; extracellular matrix; fascia; fibrosis; gliding; hyaluronan; myofascial pain - B2018
The different distribution of enzymatic collagen cross-links found in adult and children bone result in different mechanical behavior of collagen
B Depalle, A G Duarte, I A K Fiedler, L Pujo-Menjouet, M J Buehler, J-P BerteauThis computational study explored how molecular bonds called collagen cross-links affect bone mechanics differently in children and adults. Using models based on real bone samples, researchers simulated how collagen fib…
Cross-linksChildren boneMolecular modelingBiomechanical properties - A2018
Immediate effects of self-myofascial release on latent trigger point sensitivity: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Jan Wilke, Lutz Vogt, Winfried BanzerThis randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined whether foam rolling could immediately reduce sensitivity in latent trigger points. Researchers compared 90 seconds of static compression, dynamic rolling, and a placeb…
fasciaMyofascial painFoam rollingSelf-masage - A2018
The myodural bridges’ existence in the sperm whale
Pei Liu, Chan Li, Nan Zheng, Xiaoying Yuan, Yutong Zhou, Pu Chun, Yanyan Chi, Campbell Gilmore, Shengbo Yu, Hongjin SuiIn this anatomical animal study, researchers examined tissue from a sperm whale to see if it possessed a myodural bridge, a connection between the neck muscles and the dura mater previously identified in humans. The inv…
Myodural Bridge - A2018
A fundamental critique of the fascial distortion model and its application in clinical practice
Christoph ThalhamerThis narrative review critiques the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), a manual therapy approach based on the idea that all musculoskeletal complaints stem from distortions of fascia. The author investigated the scientific…
Manual Therapyfasciaefascial distortion modelreductionismtypaldos - A2018
The influence of breathing on the central nervous system
Bruno Bordoni, Shahin Purgol, Annalisa Bizzarri, Maddalena Modica, Bruno MorabitoThis narrative review explores the diaphragm's extensive influence on the central nervous system. The authors discuss how the rhythm of our breath can physically move the brain, alter patterns of neural oscillation, and…
diaphragmbreathingphrenic nervevagus nerveneural oscillation - A2018
Mineralization can be an incidental ultrasonographic finding in equine tendons and ligaments
Etienne J O O'Brien, Roger K W SmithIn this observational study on horses, researchers investigated the presence of mineralization, or calcium deposits, in tendons and ligaments using ultrasound. They found it was most common in the deep digital flexor te…
horsecalcificationDopplerossification - A+++2018
Effects of Plantar Vibration on Bone and Deep Fascia in a Rat Hindlimb Unloading Model of Disuse
Yunfei Huang, Yubo Fan, Michele Salanova, Xiao Yang, Lianwen Sun, Dieter BlottnerThis animal study investigated how disuse affects deep fascia and bone, and whether vibration could counteract these effects. Researchers used a rat model where hindlimbs were unloaded for 21 days to simulate disuse, wh…
extracellular matrixcollagenBonedeep fasciaBiomechanics - A2018
Non-invasive Assessment of Lameness in Horses with Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement “Kissing spine”: A Case Study.
Adrian P Harrison, Anja Jensen, Karoline Holst Riis, Kiwa Riis-OlesenIn this case study, researchers examined a horse with recurring lameness and "kissing spine" using three non-invasive techniques. Acoustic myography was used to assess muscle activity and locate the injury, while bioimp…
Bioimpedance analysis; Accelerometry; Acoustic myography; lameness