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
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 - 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. - C2017
Bi component T1p and T2 Relaxation Mapping of Skeletal Muscle In-Vivo
Azadeh Sharafi, Gregory Chang, Ravinder R RegatteResearchers evaluated a specific MRI technique for creating more detailed images of skeletal muscle. Using what is known as T1ρ and T2 relaxation mapping on the calf muscles of healthy volunteers, they were able to dist…
inflammationfibrosisskeletal musclebi-componentT2 relaxation - A2017
Effect of MELT method on thoracolumbar connective tissue: The full study
Faria Sanjana, Hans Chaudhry, Thomas FindleyThis study investigated if the MELT method, a self-treatment technique using soft rollers and balls, could affect the thoracolumbar connective tissue in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers used ultrasound ima…
Low back pain; MELT method; Connective tissue; Thickness; Myofascia; Flexibility - A++2017
Interaction between the gut microbiome and mucosal immune system
Na Shi, Na Li, Xinwang Duan, Haitao NiuIn this narrative review, the authors outline the two-way relationship between the gut microbiome and the mucosal immune system. A balanced microbiome is essential for the proper maturation and function of the immune sy…
inflammationMicrobiomeImmunity - A++2017
Minimizing Injury and Maximizing Return to Play: Lessons from Engineered Ligaments
Keith BaarMusculoskeletal injuries are a primary reason for time away from sports, partly because our understanding of how training affects tendons and ligaments is limited. This study used engineered ligaments grown in a lab fro…
trainingminimizing injuryreturn to playsupplementation - 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 - A2016
Hyaluronan concentration and size distribution in human knee synovial fluid: variations with age and cartilage degeneration
Michele M Temple-Wong, Shuwen Ren, Phu Quach, Bradley C Hansen, Albert C Chen, Akihiko Hasegawa, Darryl D D’Lima, Jim K…This study investigated how the lubricant hyaluronan in knee joint fluid changes with age and cartilage wear. Researchers analyzed synovial fluid from human donors aged 23 to 91 without diagnosed osteoarthritis. They fo…
hyaluronanAgingSynovial fluidDegeneration - B2016
Limited mechanical effects of intermuscular myofascial connections within the intact rat anterior crural compartment
Chris Tijs, Jaap H van Dieën, Huub MaasIn this animal study, researchers investigated the connective tissue links between two lower leg muscles in rats, the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. The goal was to see if these connections significant…
Tibialis anteriorExtensor digitorum longus3D kineticsCo-activationMechanical interaction - A+2016
Piezo2 is the principal mechanotransduction channel for proprioception
Seung-Hyun Woo, Viktor Lukacs, Joriene C de Nooij, Dasha Zaytseva, Connor R Criddle, Allain Francisco, Thomas M Jessell…Proprioception is the sense of where our body parts are in space. In this animal study, researchers investigated the molecular sensor responsible for this ability in mice. They found that an ion channel called Piezo2 wa…
proprioceptionmuscle spindlespiezomechanotranductiiongolgi tendon organ - A++2016
Three Case Reports of Successful Vibration Therapy of the Plantar Fascia for Spasticity Due to Cerebral Palsy-Like Syndrome, Fetal-Type Minamata Disease
Fusako Usuki, Satsuki TohyamaThis series of case reports describes the long-term effects of vibration therapy on lower-limb spasticity in three patients with fetal-type Minamata disease, a condition with symptoms similar to cerebral palsy. Research…
spasticityvibration therapyFDM - A+++2016
Nutraceutical supplement in the management of tendinopathies: a systematic review
Federico Fusini, Salvatore Bisicchia, Carlo Bottegoni, Antonio Gigante, Fabio Zanchini, Alberto BusilacchiThis systematic review examines the effects of various nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin C, and curcumin, in managing tendon disorders. While preclinical research on cells and animals shows promi…
arginine alpha-keto-glutarate; ascorbate; boswellic acid; curcumin; oral supplement; tendon disorder
