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- A2015
Duration and Magnitude of Myofascial Release in 3-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Wound Healing
Thanh V Cao, Michael R Hicks, Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis laboratory study investigated how myofascial release (MFR) affects wound healing in bioengineered tendons. Researchers created a wound in the tendon models and then applied different magnitudes and durations of str…
wound healingMyofascial release - A2015
The fascial system and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure: hypothesis of osteopathic treatment
Bruno Bordoni, F MarelliThis hypothesis paper proposes a connection between the fascial system and exercise intolerance in people with chronic heart failure. The authors note that heart failure is a complex disease affecting the entire body, l…
fasciaManual TherapyOsteopathicfatiguechronic heart failure - A2015
Modes of cancer cell invasion and the role of the microenvironment
Andrew G Clark, Danijela Matic VignjevicFor cancer to spread, or metastasize, tumor cells must first invade the surrounding connective tissue (stroma). This review article describes how cancer cells can move in different ways—either as single cells or in coll…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancertumor invasionmicroenvironment - A+++2015
Essential role for autophagy in life span extension
Frank Madeo, Andreas Zimmermann, Maria Chiara Maiuri, Guido KroemerThis narrative review explores the essential role of autophagy, a cellular recycling process that breaks down and removes damaged components to maintain health. The authors explain how interventions like caloric restric…
autophagystarvation - A2015
Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations
Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis narrative review summarizes lab-based (in vitro) studies investigating how simulated osteopathic treatments, like myofascial release, affect fibroblasts. The authors found that applying mechanical strain to these c…
fasciaFibroblastsManual TherapyOsteopathic - A2015
A multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review
Emiliano Zanier, Bruno BordoniThis narrative review examines complementary and alternative medicine approaches to treating scar tissue. The authors survey literature on osteopathy, naturopathy, and manual therapies like physiotherapy. They also disc…
fasciaosteopathyscarwoundcomplementary and alternative medicine - A2015
Comparative effects of vitamin C on the effects of local anesthetics ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine on human chondrocytes
Jun Tian, Yan LiLocal anesthetics injected into joints can sometimes be harmful to cartilage cells (chondrocytes). This laboratory study investigated the effects of three common anesthetics—ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine—on hu…
Chondrocytes; Vitamin C; Local anesthetics; Ropivacaine; Bupivacaine; Lidocaine - A+2015
Osmotic pressure induced tensile forces in tendon collagen
Admir Masic, Luca Bertinetti, Roman Schuetz, Shu-Wei Chang, Till Hartmut Metzger, Markus J Buehler, Peter FratzlResearchers investigated the role of water in tendon collagen using a combination of experiments and computer modeling. They found that water is a crucial part of the collagen molecule's structure. When water is removed…
collagenOsmotic pressurewater - A++2015
Neurovisceral phenotypes in the expression of psychiatric symptoms
Jessica A Eccles, Andrew P Owens, Christopher J Mathias, Satoshi Umeda, Hugo D CritchleyThis narrative review explores the idea that vulnerability to anxiety may be rooted in inherent physical differences in how the body is regulated. The authors focus on conditions like joint hypermobility, Postural Tachy…
joint hypermobilityAnxietypostural tachycardia syndromevasovagal syncopepsychiatry - A+++2015
The equine neck and its function during movement and locomotion
Rebeka R Zsoldos, Theresia F LickaThis study measured muscle activity in the equine forelimb during walking, trotting, and cantering. The researchers found that most muscles activate just before hoof-strike to stabilize the limb, while passive structure…
Ageing; Cervical vertebral column; Equine neck muscles; Locomotion of horses - 1A+++2015
Viscoelastic Properties of Hyaluronan in Physiological Conditions
Mary K Cowman, Tannin A Schmidt, Preeti Raghavan, Antonio SteccoHyaluronan (HA) is a molecule that gives the fluid in our connective tissues its viscous, gel-like quality. This viscosity is crucial for the smooth gliding of fascial layers against muscles and other tissues. Factors l…
Hyalyronian acidhaviscositylubricationviscoelasticity - B2015
Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective
Jay P Shah, Nikki Thaker, Juliana Heimur, Jacqueline V Aredo, Siddhartha Sikdar, Lynn H GerberThis narrative review explores the historical and scientific understanding of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and their role in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MTrPs are palpable nodules in taut muscle bands, long con…
fasciaMyofascial trigger points