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
Evidence for the existence of nociceptors in rat thoracolumbar fascia
S Mense, U HoheiselThis animal study on rats investigated the presence of pain-sensing nerve fibers (nociceptors) in the thoracolumbar fascia. Researchers compared normal fascia with tissue in which they had induced inflammation. The resu…
inflammationfasciafasciitisnon-specific low back painfascia nociceptors - 1A+2015
Gymnastic Training and Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Stride Quality and Increase Epaxial Muscle Size in Therapy Horses
Kátia de Oliveira, Ricardo V G Soutello, Ricardo da Fonseca, Ciniro Costa, Paulo R de L Meirelles, Daniele F Fachiolli,…This study on therapy horses investigated how specific exercises affect stride and back muscles. Over three months, nine horses were divided into three groups: a control group, one doing dynamic mobilization exercises,…
Hippotherapytherapeutic exercisedynamic mobilization exercisephysical trainingthree-dimensional movement - A2015
The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues
Mary K Cowman, Hong-Gee Lee, Kathryn L Schwertfeger, James B McCarthy,, Eva A TurleyHyaluronan is a simple sugar polymer found throughout the body's tissues and fluids. It is typically produced as a very large, high-molecular-mass molecule. This narrative review notes that during processes like inflamm…
hyaluronanfasciaquantificationassaymolecular mass - A2015
Cellulite treatment: a comprehensive literature review
Irene Zerini, Andrea Sisti, Roberto Cuomo, Serena Ciappi, Francesco Russo, Cesare Brandi, Carlo D’Aniello, Giuseppe NisiIn this 2015 literature review, researchers compiled the results from various cellulite treatments. They analyzed 73 clinical studies involving human subjects, most of whom were women. The evaluated treatments included…
elasticitycellulitefatty tissue - 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 - A++2015
Size Matters: Molecular Weight Specificity of Hyaluronan Effects in Cell Biology
Jaime M Cyphert, Carol S Trempus, Stavros GarantziotisThis narrative review summarizes current knowledge about hyaluronan, a molecule whose biological effects are dependent on its size. Unlike many other molecules, hyaluronan's signaling properties are determined not by ch…
hyaluronanCell signalingmolecular size - C2015
Proteoglycan form and function: A comprehensive nomenclature of proteoglycans
Renato V Iozzo, Liliana SchaeferIn this review article, the authors propose a new, comprehensive classification system for proteoglycans, a group of molecules important to connective tissue structure and function. The classification is based on three…
GlycosaminoglycanAngiogenesisProteoglycanCancer growthGrowth factor modulation - A+2015
A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - Underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part II
Paolo TozziThis review paper proposes a new, unifying "neuro-fasciagenic" model for understanding somatic dysfunction. The author argues for a shift in perspective, moving from a purely neurological explanation to one where fascia…
fasciaManual Therapysomatic dysfunctionfascial dysfunctionfascial mechanisms - A2015
Structural Integration as an Adjunct to Outpatient Rehabilitation for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
Eric E Jacobson, Alec L Meleger, Paolo Bonato, Peter M Wayne, Helene M Langevin, Ted J Kaptchuk, Roger B DavisThis randomized pilot clinical trial investigated if adding Structural Integration (SI) to standard outpatient rehabilitation could help people with chronic non-specific low back pain. Researchers assigned 46 participan…
fascia - 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 - 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