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
Effects of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and on skin condition in Japanese women
Miyuki Tanaka, Eriko Misawa, Koji Yamauchi, Fumiaki Abe, Chiaki IshizakiThis 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…
oral supplementationaloe sterol; collagen; wrinkle - A+++2015
Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatics
Antoine Louveau, Igor Smirnov, Timothy J Keyes, Jacob D Eccles, Sherin J Rouhani, J David Peske, Noel C Derecki, David…The central nervous system (CNS) was long thought to lack a conventional lymphatic drainage system. In this study, however, researchers discovered functional lymphatic vessels within the meninges, the membranes surround…
lymphatic vesselsCentral nervous system - A++2015
Influence of different intensities of vibration on proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Chunxiang Zhang, Yanqin Lu, Linkun Zhang, Yang Liu, Yi Zhou, Yangxi Chen, Haiyang YuIn this laboratory study, researchers investigated how low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration affects stem cells from the human periodontal ligament, the tissue that holds teeth in the jaw. The results suggest that vib…
Proliferationmechanical vibrationperiodontal ligament stem cellsosteogenesismagnitude - A+++2015
Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses
Nathan Wiggers, Sandra L P Nauwelaerts, Sarah Jane Hobbs, Sophie Bool, Claudia F Wolschrijn, Willem BackThis study investigated how horses with uneven forefeet, where the angle differs between left and right, move at a trot. Researchers found that the flatter foot experiences higher loading, including greater braking forc…
asymmetryriding horsesuneven feethoof angle - A+++2015
Swing phase kinematics of horses trotting over poles
S Brown, N C Stubbs, L J Kaiser, M Lavagnino, H M ClaytonThis study investigated how horses are affected by trotting over poles, a common therapeutic exercise used to restore joint range of motion. Researchers aimed to determine if lifting the limbs higher to clear obstacles…
coordination; horse; physiotherapy; rehabilitation - B2015
Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-stimulated Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Differentiation Is Mediated by Hyaluronan (HA)-facilitated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and CD44 Co-localization in Lipid Rafts
Adam C Midgley, Mathew Rogers, Maurice B Hallett, Aled Clayton, Timothy Bowen, Aled O Phillips, Robert SteadmanThe transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is a key part of wound healing, a process largely regulated by the signaling molecule TGF-β1. This study investigated how hyaluronan (HA) and specific receptors (CD4…
CD44; Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR); Hyaluronate; Lipid Raft; Myofibroblast - 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 - 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 - C2015
Hyaluronic acid and wound healing
M G Neuman, R M Nanau, L Oruna-Sanchez, G CotoIn this systematic review, researchers compiled studies on hyaluronic acid (HA) and wound healing published from 2010–2014. The review found that HA is used for tissue regeneration, either alone or in combination with o…
hyaluronanwound healing - 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
An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen intake on joint and bone health and on skin ageing
Teresa Figueres Juher, Esther Basés PérezThis narrative review summarizes research on hydrolysed collagen (HC) and its impact on joint, bone, and skin health. Evidence suggests that these small collagen peptides are highly bioavailable and accumulate in connec…
supplementationOsteoporosishydrolysate collagenosteartrithis - A2015
Hyaluronan’s Role in Fibrosis: A Pathogenic Factor or a Passive Player?
S Albeiroti, A Soroosh, C A de la MotteThis 2015 review article explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in fibrosis, a condition where excessive connective tissue buildup impairs organ function. HA is a key component of the extracellular matrix, known for its h…
hyaluronanfasciafibrosis