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
Glycine improves biochemical and biomechanical properties following inflammation of the achilles tendon
Cristiano Pedrozo Vieira, Letícia Prado De Oliveira, Flávia Da Ré Guerra, Marcos Dos Santos De Almeida, Maria Cristina…This animal study investigated the effect of the amino acid glycine on inflamed Achilles tendons in rats. Researchers induced inflammation and then fed one group of rats a diet supplemented with 5% glycine. After 22 day…
achilles tendon; extracellular matrix; glycine; inflammatory process; tendinopathy. - A2015
New Developments in the Primo Vascular System: Imaging and Functions with regard to Acupuncture
Richard C Niemtzow, Kwang-Sup Soh, Kyung A Kang, John H Barker, He Sheng Luo, Moriya OhkumaThis research entry, for which only the title is available, appears to discuss recent advancements in understanding the primo vascular system. The title suggests a focus on new imaging techniques and the system's functi…
acupunctureprimo vascular systemeditorial - B2015
Cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis - shaping the immunological landscape
Iain B McInnes, Christopher D Buckley, John D IsaacsIn this short opinion article, the authors provide an overview of the central role of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These signaling molecules are involved in the immune responses associated with both the onset…
cytokinesarthritis - A2015
Essential Experimental Methods for Identifying Bonghan Systems as a Basis for Korean Medicine: Focusing on Visual Materials from Original Papers and Modern Outcomes
Hoon-Gi Kim, Byung-Cheon Lee, Ki-Bog LeeThis narrative review examines methods for identifying the so-called Bonghan system, also known as the primo vascular system (PVS). This system was originally proposed in the 1960s as the anatomical basis for acupunctur…
fasciaacupunctureprimo vascular systembongan system - 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 - 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 - 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
Telocytes in regenerative medicine
Yihua Bei, Fei Wang, Changqing Yang, Junjie XiaoThis 2015 review article summarizes research on telocytes, a distinct type of cell found in the connective tissue of many organs. These cells form a complex 3D network and are thought to play a key role in guiding stem…
interstitial cells; progenitor cells; regeneration; regenerative medicine; stem cells; telocytes. - A2015
Investigation of meningomyovertebral structures within the upper cervical epidural space: a sheet plastination study with clinical implications
Frank Scali, Matthew E Pontell, Lance G Nash, Dennis E EnixThis cadaver study investigated soft-tissue connections within the epidural space of the upper cervical spine using dissection and a technique called sheet plastination. The researchers found consistent connections wher…
fasciacervical spineMyodural Bridgedural lacerationsepidural space - C2015
Collagen Crosslinking Does Not Dictate Stiffness in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis
M A Chapman, R Pichika, R L LieberIn this animal study on mice, researchers investigated why fibrotic, or scarred, skeletal muscle becomes so stiff. While it is known that fibrosis involves an increase in collagen, the amount of collagen alone does not…
fibrosisstiffnesscollagen cross-linking - A2015
Sensory Nerve Fibers Containing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Gastrocnemius, Latissimus Dorsi and Erector Spinae Muscles and Thoracolumbar Fascia in Mice
C M Barry, G Kestell, M Gillan, R V Haberberger, I L GibbinsIn this animal study, researchers investigated sensory nerve fibers containing CGRP, a peptide involved in pain signaling. They compared the presence of these nerve fibers in various muscles (gastrocnemius, latissimus d…
fasciaBack PainThoracolumbar fasciaimmunohistochemistrysensory innervation - 1A+2015
Electron microscopy of human fascia lata: focus on telocytes
Joanna Dawidowicz, Sylwia Szotek, Natalia Matysiak, Łukasz Miela!nczyk, Krzysztof MaksymowiczThis study used an electron microscope to examine the types of cells present in the fascia lata, a sheet of connective tissue in the thigh. For the first time, researchers confirmed the existence of a specific cell type…
Fibroblastsmyofibroblastshuman fascia latatransmission electron microscopytelocytes