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
Shielding of the geomagnetic field reduces hydrogen peroxide production in human neuroblastoma cell and inhibits the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase
Hai-Tao Zhang, Zi-Jian Zhang, Wei-Chuan Mo, Ping-Dong Hu, Hai-Min Ding, Ying Liu, Qian Hua, Rong-Qiao HeThis study investigates how an extremely weak magnetic field, similar to conditions in outer space or shielded environments on Earth, affects human cells. Researchers found that shielding the natural geomagnetic field r…
hydrogen peroxide; hypomagnetic field; oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; superoxide dismutase - A2017
Amino acid composition in determination of collagen origin and assessment of physical factors effects
Marlena Gauza-Włodarczyk, Leszek Kubisz, Dariusz WłodarczykThis study examines the amino acid composition of collagen derived from various sources, including fish skin, bovine Achilles tendon, and bone tissue. The researchers found that the levels of hydroxyproline, a unique am…
hydroxyprolineBone collagenFish skin collagenIrradiationPolymer - A+2017
The Effect of Menstrual Cycle and Contraceptives on ACL Injuries and Laxity
Simone D Herzberg, Makalapua L Motu’apuaka, William Lambert, Rongwei Fu, Jacqueline Brady, Jeanne-Marie GuiseThis systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the relationship between the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The researchers found that knee lig…
anterior cruciate ligament; knee injury; hormonal contraceptives; female; human; menstrual cycle; systematic review; meta-analysis; sports medicine - A+2017
The nature and biology of basement membranes
Ambra Pozzi, Peter D Yurchenco, Renato V IozzoThis review article discusses the nature and biology of basement membranes. These are thin, flexible sheets of tissue that line and separate different structures in the body. Once thought to be just passive scaffolding,…
Collagen; laminin; heparan sulfate proteoglycan; discoidin domain receptor; integrin - C2017
Concurrent validity of pain scales in individuals with myofascial pain and fibromyalgia
Scott W Cheatham, Morey J Kolber, Monique Mokha, William J HanneyResearchers investigated the reliability of two common tools for measuring pain: the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), where patients rate pain from 0 to 10, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The study included 60 part…
Myofascial painFibromyalgiapain scales - A2017
Telocytes heterogeneity: From cellular morphology to functional evidence
Dragos Cretoiu, Beatrice Mihaela Radu, Adela Banciu, Daniel Dumitru Banciu, Sanda Maria CretoiuThis review discusses telocytes, a recently identified type of cell found throughout the connective tissue (stroma) of vertebrates. They are characterized by extremely long, thin extensions called telopodes, which form…
cancertelocytesregenerative medicinestem cellsImmunophenotype heterogeneity - B2017
Mechanical Properties of the Cytoskeleton and Cells
A F Pegoraro, P Janmey, D A WeitzIn this review article, the authors describe the cytoskeleton, which is the cell's main mechanical structure. It is a complex and dynamic network of biopolymers that includes microtubules, actin, and intermediate filame…
cytoskeletonmicrotubulesactin filamentintermediate filament - A++2017
Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system. Narrative review
Giovanni Parravicini, Andrea BergnaThis narrative review explores the biological effects of manual fascial therapies. While osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is clinically effective, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The authors…
fasciaMyofascial releaseManual TherapyMyofascial manipulation - C2017
S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis: A systematic review
Fei Fei, Jie Qu, Mingqing Zhang, Yuwei Li, Shiwu ZhangThis systematic review examines the role of the protein S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis. S100A4 is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key process that allows cancer cells to spread. The aut…
metastasisS100A4malignant tumorepithelial-mesenchymal transition - B2017
All you need to know about the AIP diet
Lana BurgessThis article reviews the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which aims to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of autoimmune disorders. The diet is based on the idea that problems with the gut wall, sometimes called 'l…
inflammationAutoimmune protocolautoimmune disease - A++2017
Telocytes: Connective tissue repair and communication cells
Leon ChaitowThis commentary highlights a newly identified type of connective tissue cell called a telocyte. We already know that other cells, like fibroblasts, respond to mechanical forces from manual therapy, influencing tissue re…
mechanotransductiontelocytesinterstitial cellsregeneration - 1A+2017
Emotions in Motion: Myofascial Interoception
B Bordoni, F MarelliIn this perspective piece, the authors argue that the myofascial system is closely linked to our emotional state. They suggest that manual treatment not only affects the body physically but also activates the interocept…
fasciaManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathicInteroception