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- A2017
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Gabriel Venne, Brian J Rasquinha, Manuela Kunz, Randy E EllisThis cadaver study investigated the connection between a small neck muscle (Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor, RCPMi) and the spinal dura mater. Researchers used both microscopic analysis and biomechanical testing to clari…
biomechanical testingcervical dura matermechanical influence of musclesmechanical influence of soft tissuerectus capitis posterior minor - A+++2017
Vitamin C Status Correlates with Markers of Metabolic and Cognitive Health in 50-Year-Olds: Findings of the CHALICE Cohort Study
John F Pearson, Juliet M Pullar, Renee Wilson, Janet K Spittlehouse, Margreet C M Vissers, Paula M L Skidmore, Jinny Wi…This cohort study examined vitamin C status in 404 fifty-year-olds in New Zealand. Researchers measured the concentration of vitamin C in participants' blood plasma as well as their dietary intake. The results showed th…
ascorbate; cognition; HbA1c; insulin; glucose; hypovitaminosis C - A++2017
Decorin and biglycan are necessary for maintaining collagen fibril structure, fiber realignment, and mechanical properties of mature tendons
Kelsey A Robinson, Mei Sun, Carrie E Barnum, Stephanie N Weiss, Julianne Huegel, Snehal S Shetye, Linda Lin, Daniel Sae…This study on mice investigated the role of two molecules, decorin and biglycan, in maintaining healthy adult tendons. Researchers used a genetic model to remove these molecules from mature patellar tendons after they h…
Tendon; Decorin; Biglycan; Collagen fibril; Fiber realignment; Structure; Mechanical properties; Conditional knockout mice - A+++2017
Resveratrol Treatment Normalizes the Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats
Victor Fabricio, Jorge Camargo Oishi, Bruna Gabriele Biffe, Leandro Dias Gonçalves Ruffoni, Karina Ana da Silva, Keico…This animal study on rats investigated how resveratrol affects blood pressure and vascular function during estrogen deficiency, mimicking post-menopausal conditions. Researchers found that a lack of estrogen led to high…
blood pressureresveratrolPostmenopause - A2017
We are operating too much
Nicola MaffulliIn this editorial, the author, an orthopedic and trauma surgeon, observes a rising number of operations for orthopedic and trauma ailments. He notes that this trend runs counter to the results of high-quality studies, w…
Surgery - A+++2017
Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application
Jooyoung Kim, Dong Jun Sung, Joohyung LeeThis narrative review explores the mechanisms and practical use of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) for treating soft tissue injuries. IASTM involves using specialized tools to apply mechanical press…
Injury; Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization; Pain; Range of motion; Soft tissue function. - A2017
Molecular insights into prolyl and lysyl hydroxylation of fibrillar collagens in health and disease
Rutger A F Gjaltema, Ruud A BankThis narrative review provides an updated overview of the complex process of creating mature collagen. The formation of collagen fibrils from precursor molecules involves many enzymes and chaperones in a series of steps…
Bruck syndrome; Collagen; Ehlers–Danlos syndrome; connective tissue disorders; fibrosis; lysyl hydroxylation; osteogenesis imperfecta; prolyl hydroxylation. - A2017
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Beatrice SacconiThis commentary proposes a model of fascia not as layers, but as a network of polyhedral microvacuoles of connective tissue. These structures connect the body's systems and can change shape in response to tension, allow…
fasciafibroblastManual TherapyOsteopathicfascial continuum - A++2017
Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis
Gregory Shaw, Ann Lee-Barthel, Megan L R Ross, Bing Wang, Keith BaarIn a small study involving eight healthy men, researchers investigated the effect of vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before exercise. Participants who consumed 15 grams of gelatin one hour before a short, int…
Bonetendonexerciseligamentreturn to play - A2017
The significance of closed kinematic chains to biological movement and dynamic stability
Stephen Levin, Susan Lowell de Sol!orzano, Graham ScarrBiomechanical research has long focused on the body as a system of levers, but this review highlights the importance of "closed kinematic chains" (CKCs). These are continuous mechanical loops that couple multiple parts…
biotensegrityBiomechanicsClosed-chainDevelopmentEvolution - A+2017
Theoretical study of aerobic vitamin C loss kinetics during commercial heat preservation and storage
Micha PelegThis theoretical study presents a mathematical model to describe how vitamin C is lost in food during commercial heat processing and storage. The model accounts for the degradation of two forms of the vitamin, ascorbic…
Ascorbic acid; Degradation reactions; Dehydroascorbic acid; Kinetics; Storage; Thermal processing. - A2017
Muscle strength and stiffness in resistance exercise: Force transmission in tissues
Hans Chaudhry, Bruce Bukiet, Ellen Z Anderson, Jared Burch, Thomas FindleyResearchers used a mathematical model to estimate how forces are transmitted through the quadriceps muscle during isometric resistance exercises. They specifically looked at how knee angle affects muscle stiffness, stre…
Knee muscle strength; Stiffness; Mathematical modeling; Resistance exercise