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- 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
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 - B2015
The extracellular matrix: Tools and insights for the “omics” era
A Nabaa, K R Clauser, H Dingd, C A Whittaker, S A Carrc, R O HynesaThis 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…
extracellular matrixMatrisomeMatrisomeDBECM atlasBioinformatics - A++2015
Meralgia paresthetica caused by entrapment of the lateral femoral subcutaneous nerve at the fascia lata of the thigh: a case report and literature review
Yasuyuki Omichi, Ichiro Tonogai, Shinsuke Kaji, Teruaki Sangawa, Koichi SairyoThis 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…
nerve entrapment - 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
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
Estrogen inhibits lysyl oxidase and decreases mechanical function in engineered ligaments
Cassandra A Lee, Ann Lee-Barthel, Louise Marquino, Natalie Sandoval, George R Marcotte, Keith BaarThis 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…
ACL; exercise; tendon; ultimate tensile strength - 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
Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans in Palmar Fascia of Patients with Dupuytren
Priscilla Carneiro Hirai Nascimento, Elsa Yoko Kobayashi, Luiz Guilherme de Saboya Lenzi, João baptista Gomes dos Santo…In this experimental study, researchers investigated the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a type of molecule in connective tissue, in Dupuytren's disease. The team analyzed palmar fascia tissue samples from 23 patient…
fasciaProteoglycansdupuytren contractureglycosaminoglycans - 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
Modelling the mechanoreceptor’s dynamic behaviour
Zhuoyi Song, Robert W Banks, Guy S BewickThis study developed a computational model to better understand how mechanoreceptors, our body's stretch and pressure sensors, adapt to stimuli. Researchers adapted a model originally used for vision in flies to simulat…
fasciabiophysical modelfly photoreceptorrefractory periodsensory adaptation - 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