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
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 - C2018
Sweet, yet underappreciated: Proteoglycans and extracellular matrix remodeling in heart disease
Geir Christensen, Kate M Heruma, Ida G LundeIn this review article, the authors discuss the role of proteoglycans in heart disease. Remodeling of the heart's extracellular matrix, which is common in several cardiac diseases, can lead to fibrosis and impaired func…
extracellular matrixHeart failureheartProteoglycansSyndecan - 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 review of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement techniques
Hans Van Geelen, Donald Ostergard, Peter SandThis narrative review examines how pregnancy and childbirth affect the pelvic floor, based on studies using objective measurement tools like ultrasound and MRI. The authors found that pregnancy, particularly the first,…
Pregnancy . Childbirth . Vaginal delivery . Cesarean delivery . Pelvic floor function . Objective measurement techniques - A2018
What Is the Point? The Problem with Acupuncture Research That No One Wants to Talk About
Helene M Langevin, Peter M WayneIn this 2018 commentary, the authors address a persistent criticism of acupuncture research: the unclear scientific basis for "acupuncture points." They argue that the acupuncture research community has not paid enough…
acupunctureAnatomyacupuncture pointsmethodology - A++2018
Biomechanical findings in horses showing asymmetrical vertical excursions of the withers at walk
Anna Byström, Agneta Egenvall, Lars Roepstorff, Marie Rhodin, Filipe S Bragança, Elin Hernlund, René van Weeren, Michae…This study investigated movement patterns in seven sound high-level dressage horses to understand why the withers move asymmetrically at a walk. Researchers found that vertical asymmetry in the withers was not caused by…
asymmetry - 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
The infrapatellar fat pad and the synovial membrane: an anatomo-functional unit
Veronica Macchi, Elena Stocco, Carla Stecco, Elisa Belluzzi, Marta Favero, Andrea Porzionato, Raffaele De CaroThis descriptive review summarizes evidence on the close relationship between the infrapatellar fat pad and the synovial membrane in the knee. Anatomically, they are linked, as parts of the synovial membrane insert into…
infrapatellar fat pad; knee plicae; osteoarthritis; synovial membrane. - A2018
Elevated expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 associates with decreased survival in diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas
Mari Valkonen, Hannu Haapasalo, Kirsi Rilla, Kristiina Tyynelä-Korhonen, Ylermi Soini , Sanna Pasonen-SeppänenAstrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumor in adults. In this retrospective study, researchers investigated hyaluronan, a key component of the brain's extracellular matrix, and its related enzymes in 163 tumor…
hyaluronanHyaluronan synthaseAstrocytomaPrognosisGlioma - A++2018
Low intensity vibration increases cartilage thickness in obese mice
Tee Pamon, Vincent Bhandal, Benjamin J Adler, M Ete Chan, Clinton T RubinThis animal study investigated if a high-fat diet affected cartilage thickness in mice and if low-intensity vibration (LIV) could offer protection. Contrary to expectations, the high-fat diet alone did not significantly…
osteoarthritis; chondrocytes; exercise; biomechanics; adaptation; stem cell - 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
Chest pain in patients with COPD: the fascia’s subtle silence
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Roberto CastagnaIn this article, the authors discuss potential causes of chest pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They highlight that chest pain is common in COPD and propose that an often-overlooked so…
fasciadiaphragmmuscle painCOPDthoracic pain