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+++2015
Multi-frequency bioimpedance and myofascial release therapy: An equine “AtlasOrange1” validation study
Vibeke Sødring Elbrønd, Marta Julia Krasnodebska, Adrian HarrisonThis study on horses explored whether a device using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (mf-BIA) could objectively measure myofascial tension. Researchers compared the device's readings with a veterinarian's manual a…
myofasciamuscle tensionmf-BIAmechanical physiothera - 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 - A2015
Biological electric fields and rate equations for biophotons
M Alvermann, Y N Srivastava, J Swain, A WidomThis theoretical paper explores the relationship between biophotons (light emitted by living organisms) and the electric fields within biological systems. The authors note that biophoton intensity is linked to the stren…
biophotonsElectric fieldsNonlinear rate equations - A++2015
BioTensegrity Fascia and the fallacy of biomechanics. Part 1
John SharkeyThis conceptual article introduces Biotensegrity as an emerging model for understanding human anatomy. It challenges traditional biomechanics by viewing the body as a continuous tensional network in which fascia plays a…
biotensegrityBiomechanics - 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 - 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 - B2015
Platelet hyaluronidase-2: an enzyme that translocates to the surface upon activation to function in extracellular matrix degradation
Sami Albeiroti, Katayoun Ayasoufi, [...], Carol A de la MottePlatelets play a key role in responding to tissue injury. This study explores how they interact with hyaluronan, a major component of the extracellular matrix that is involved in inflammation. Researchers demonstrated t…
hyaluronanextracellular matrixDegradationhyaluronidas-2HYAL2 - 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
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disturbed Coherence: Gate to Cancer
Jirí Pokorný, Jan Pokorný, Alberto Foletti, Jitka Kobilková, Jan Vrba, Jan Vrba JrThis theoretical paper explores the link between cellular energy and cancer. Healthy cells maintain a stable, coherent electrical state through continuous energy production in the mitochondria. The authors propose that…
fasciacancer biophysicsmitochondrial dysfunctionwater orderingmicrotubule oscillations - 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
Understanding Fibroblasts in Order to Comprehend the Osteopathic Treatment of the Fascia
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierIn this review paper, the authors argue that understanding fibroblasts is essential for comprehending and applying osteopathic treatment of the fascia. As the foundational cells of connective tissue, fibroblasts have ma…
fasciafibroblastosteopathy - A2015
Reflections on osteopathic fascia treatment in the peripheral nervous system
Bruno Bordoni, Giovanni BordoniIn this reflective article, the authors discuss the fascia of the peripheral nervous system. They explain that nerves are enclosed in several layers of fascia that must be able to slide, and that impeded sliding can be…
fasciapainfascial treatmentnerve palpation