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- A2018
Biotensegrity and myofascial chains: A global approach to an integrated kinetic chain
S L Dischiavi, A A Wright, E J Hegedus, C M BleakleyThis theoretical paper proposes a holistic way to understand human movement, contrasting it with the traditional approach of studying body parts in isolation. The authors suggest a model based on "biotensegrity," where…
RehabilitationbiotensegrityMuscular chainsDynamic knee valgusHip - 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
Anatomical and Functional Relationships Between External Abdominal Oblique Muscle and Posterior Layer of Thoracolumbar Fascia
Chenglei Fan, Caterina Fede, Nathaly Gaudreault, Andrea Porzionato, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele de Caro, Carla SteccoThis study investigated the anatomical connection between the external abdominal oblique muscle (EO) and the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in the low back. Using both cadaveric dissection and CT scans, researchers found a…
external abdominal oblique muscle; fascia; lumbar; computed tomography - 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 - A++2018
Subcutaneous adipose tissue therapy reduces fat by dual X-ray absorptiometry scan and improves tissue structure by ultrasound in women with lipoedema and Dercum disease
M Ibarra, A Eekema, C Ussery, D Neuhardt, K Garby, K L HerbstThis small study investigated a non-surgical therapy for subcutaneous adipose tissue in seven women with lipoedema or Dercum disease. Over four weeks of treatment, participants experienced significant reductions in weig…
lipoedemaDercum diseasesubcutaneous adipose tissue. - 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
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 - A++2018
Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century Informing Yoga and Physiotherapy Concerning New Findings in Fascia Research
John SharkeyThis short article discusses how a new view of anatomy, called biotensegrity, is changing our understanding of the human body. This perspective focuses on fascia as a continuous, interconnected network that creates a un…
biotensegrityyogahuman anatomy - A++2018
Assessment of pain quality reveals distinct differences between nociceptive innervation of low back fascia and muscle in humans
Andreas Schilder, Walter Magerl, Thomas Klein, Rolf-Detlef TreedeThis study explored whether pain from low back muscles is perceived differently than pain from the overlying fascia. Researchers used electrical stimulation in 16 healthy participants, who then described the induced pai…
Thoracolumbar fasciamultifidus musclePain qualityElectrical stimulationVerbal descriptors - A+++2018
Effects of local vibration therapy on various performance parameters: a narrative literature review
Darrin Germann, Amr El Bouse, Jordan Shnier, Nader Abdelkader, Mohsen KazemiThis narrative literature review examines how local muscle vibration (LMV) affects performance parameters such as strength, power, and range of motion. By applying vibrations directly to a specific muscle or tendon, LMV…
chiropractic; local muscle vibration; performance; vibration. - 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 - 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