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 studiesSize Matters: Molecular Weight Specificity of Hyaluronan Effects in Cell Biology
This 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…
Proteoglycan form and function: A comprehensive nomenclature of proteoglycans
In 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…
Estrogen inhibits lysyl oxidase and decreases mechanical function in engineered ligaments
This lab study investigated why women are more likely to rupture their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than men, focusing on the role of estrogen. Researchers used human ACL cells to create engineered ligaments in a la…
The extracellular matrix: Tools and insights for the “omics” era
This narrative review discusses the extracellular matrix (ECM), the complex network of proteins and molecules that provides structural and chemical support to our cells and tissues. Alterations in the ECM are associated…
Changes in electrical pain threshold of fascia and muscle after initial and secondary bouts of elbow flexor eccentric exercise
This study investigated how pain sensitivity changes in fascia and muscle after strenuous eccentric exercise. Ten young men performed two bouts of maximal eccentric elbow curls, four weeks apart. After the first session…
Cellulite treatment: a comprehensive literature review
In 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…
Effects of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and on skin condition in Japanese women
This study investigated how plant sterols from Aloe vera gel affect the skin, using both laboratory tests on human skin cells (fibroblasts) and a clinical trial with women. In the lab, these sterols were found to stimul…
Comparative effects of vitamin C on the effects of local anesthetics ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine on human chondrocytes
Local 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…
Meralgia paresthetica caused by entrapment of the lateral femoral subcutaneous nerve at the fascia lata of the thigh: a case report and literature review
This case report and literature review describe an unusual presentation of meralgia paresthetica, a condition causing numbness and pain in the outer thigh. While the condition typically involves nerve entrapment at the…
Primo Vascular System: An Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Potential Transitional Tissue Involved in Gastric Cancer Metastasis
The primo vascular system (PVS) is described as a distinct circulatory network beyond the blood and lymphatic systems. This study investigated the role this system might play in the spread of gastric cancer. The researc…
Primo Vascular System: A Unique Biological System Shifting a Medical Paradigm
This article describes the primo vascular system (PVS), a unique biological system distinct from the arteriovenous and lymphatic systems. Research suggests the PVS has immune and endocrine functions and plays a role in…
Osmotic pressure induced tensile forces in tendon collagen
Researchers 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…