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
Quantitative tissue parameters of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in healthy subjects using a handheld myotonometer
Sarah Orner, Wolfgang Kratzer, Julian Schmidberger, Beate GrünerThis study examined the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in over 150 healthy adults using a handheld device called a MyotonPRO. The goal was to establish baseline normal values for tissue…
fasciaachilles tendonplantar fasciaMyotonePRO - 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 - B2017
Fibromyalgia and microglial TNF-α: Translational research using human blood induced microglia-like cells
Masahiro Ohgidani, Takahiro A Kato, Masako Hosoi, Makoto Tsuda, Kohei Hayakawa, Chie Hayaki, Rie Iwaki, Noriaki Sagata,…Researchers are investigating the role of brain immune cells called microglia in fibromyalgia. This study used a new technique to create microglia-like cells from the blood of people with fibromyalgia and healthy indivi…
Fibromyalgiamikroglia - B2017
Evidence of both systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients, as assessed by a multiplex protein panel applied to the cerebrospinal fluid and to plasma
Emmanuel Bäckryd, Lars Tanum, Anne-Li Lind, Anders Larsson, Torsten GordhThis study investigated signs of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia (FM). Researchers analyzed 92 different inflammation-related proteins in both blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid from 40 FM patients, comparing…
inflammationFibromyalgiacytokineschronic paincerebrospinal fluid - 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 - 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
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
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 - 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++2016
Amelioration of estrogen deficiency-induced obesity by collagen hydrolysate
Tsay-I Chiang, I-Chang Chang, Hsueh-Hui Lee, Kuang Hui Hsieh, Yung-Wei Chiu, Te-Jen Lai, Jer-Yuh Liu, Li-Sung Hsu, Shao…This animal study on rats investigated how collagen hydrolysate supplementation might affect the weight gain often associated with estrogen deficiency, similar to menopause. Researchers found that rats receiving collage…
Collagen; Obesity; estrogen deficiency - A++2016
Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Ludovic Giloteaux, Julia K. Goodrich, William A. Walters, Susan M. Levine, Ruth E. Ley, Maureen R. HansonResearchers investigated the gut microbiome and blood markers of inflammation in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Compared to healthy controls, individuals with ME/CFS had reduced…
inflammationChronic fatigue syndromeMyalgic encephalomyelitisLipopolysaccharidesMicrobiome - A2016
The tongue after whiplash: case report and osteopathic treatment
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno MorabitoThis case report describes a 30-year-old man who experienced neck pain during swallowing and had a reduced ability to open his mouth following a whiplash injury. He was treated with osteopathic manual techniques directe…
fasciafascial releasetongueindirect osteopathic techniques