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- A++2017
Hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in critically ill patients despite recommended enteral and parenteral intakes
Anitra C Carr, Patrice C Rosengrave, Simone Bayer, Steve Chambers, Jan Mehrtens, Geoff M ShawThis study investigated vitamin C levels in 44 critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers found that most patients had low vitamin C levels (hypovitaminosis C), and one-third were severely defi…
Vitamin CsepsisIntensive careHypovitaminosis CCritical illness - B2017
Mechanical properties of a collagen fibril under simulated degradation
David C Malaspinaa, Igal Szleifera, Yasin DhaheraThis study used computer simulations to investigate how collagen fibrils lose their strength. Researchers modeled three different types of degradation: the removal of cross-links, surface damage, and damage throughout t…
collagenMolecular dynamicsDegradationMMP - 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 - A++2017
Touch, Tension, and Transduction - The Function and Regulation of Piezo Ion Channels
Jason Wu, Amanda H Lewis, Jörg GrandlThis narrative review explores Piezo1 and Piezo2, specialized proteins that act as the body's primary mechanical sensors. These ion channels convert physical forces like touch, tension, and fluid flow into electrical si…
Mechanotransductionpiezo - A++2017
Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study
Paul E Marik, Vikramjit Khangoora, Racquel Rivera, Michael H Hooper, John CatravasIn this retrospective before-after study, researchers investigated the effect of a combination therapy of intravenous vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. They compar…
corticosteroid; hydrocortisone; septic shock; thiamine; vitamin C - 1A++2017
Microscopic anatomy of the visceral fasciae
Carla Stecco, Maria Martina Sfriso, Andrea Porzionato, Anna Rambaldo, Giovanna Albertin, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De C…Researchers examined the microscopic structure of visceral fascia—the connective tissue surrounding internal organs—from eight cadavers. They analyzed samples from the thorax, abdomen, and around organs like the heart,…
elastic lamina; Gerota fascia; pericardium; peritoneum; serous membrane; visceral fascia; visceral manipulation. - 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. - A+++2017
Proinflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress Decrease the Transport of Dopamine Precursor Tyrosine in Human Fibroblasts
Ravi Vumma, Jessica Johansson, Nikolaos VenizelosThis laboratory study investigated how inflammation and oxidative stress affect the transport of the amino acid tyrosine in human fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell. Tyrosine is a crucial precursor for the ne…
Dopamine precursor; Human fibroblasts; Neuropsychiatric disorders; Oxidative stress; Proinflammatory cytokines; Tyrosine transport. - A++2017
Mitochondrial dysfunction in the APP/PSEN1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and a novel protective role for ascorbate
Shilpy Dixit, Joshua P Fessel, Fiona E HarrisonIn this animal study, researchers examined mitochondrial function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and in mice with low levels of vitamin C (ascorbate). The results indicated that both the presence of amyloid (as…
Alzheimer’s disease; mitochondria; oxidative stress; ascorbate; energy production - A++2017
A New Definition of an Acupuncture Meridian
Fletcher KovichThis perspective article proposes a new definition of acupuncture meridians, moving away from the idea of dedicated anatomical vessels. The author suggests that meridians are actually tracts of tissue that become affect…
acupunctureelectrical wavesemiconductionsignal propagation - B2017
The Application of Acoustic Myography in Canine Muscle Function and Performance Testing
Christina Fenger, Adrian P HarrisonThis animal study on 11 Labrador dogs used acoustic myography (AMG) to measure muscle activity during walking and trotting. Researchers focused on two muscles, the m. gluteus superficialis and m. longissimus lumborum, t…
Mechanomyographym.longissimusm.glutealDogMuscle contraction - A++2017
A Curious Oversight in Acupuncture Research
Fletcher KovichIn this perspective article, the author argues that current acupuncture hypotheses overlook a crucial factor: the speed at which the treatment takes effect. Observations suggest that communication between acupoints and…
acupunctureelectrical wavesemiconductionsignal propagation