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
Fruit, vegetable and vitamin C intakes and plasma vitamin C: cross-sectional associations with insulin resistance and glycaemia in 9-10 year-old children
A S Donin, J E Dent, C M Nightingale, N Sattar, C G Owen, A R Rudnicka, M R Perkin, A M Stephen, S A Jebb, D G Cook, P…This cross-sectional study of over 2000 children in the UK examined the relationship between vitamin C and risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that higher levels of vitamin C in the blood were associated…
Vitamin Cinsulin resistensglycaemiadiabetes type 2 - A+++2015
Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review
M-N Chen, C-C Lin, C-F LiuThis systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials examined the effectiveness of plant-based estrogens, known as phytoestrogens, for relieving menopausal symptoms. The findings suggest that phyt…
CLIMACTERIC; ESTROGEN; HOT FLUSH; ISOFLAVONE; LIGNAN; MENOPAUSE; META-ANALYSIS. - A2015
The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues
Mary K Cowman, Hong-Gee Lee, Kathryn L Schwertfeger, James B McCarthy,, Eva A TurleyHyaluronan is a simple sugar polymer found throughout the body's tissues and fluids. It is typically produced as a very large, high-molecular-mass molecule. This narrative review notes that during processes like inflamm…
hyaluronanfasciaquantificationassaymolecular mass - A+++2015
Essential role for autophagy in life span extension
Frank Madeo, Andreas Zimmermann, Maria Chiara Maiuri, Guido KroemerThis narrative review explores the essential role of autophagy, a cellular recycling process that breaks down and removes damaged components to maintain health. The authors explain how interventions like caloric restric…
autophagystarvation - 1A+++2015
Viscoelastic Properties of Hyaluronan in Physiological Conditions
Mary K Cowman, Tannin A Schmidt, Preeti Raghavan, Antonio SteccoHyaluronan (HA) is a molecule that gives the fluid in our connective tissues its viscous, gel-like quality. This viscosity is crucial for the smooth gliding of fascial layers against muscles and other tissues. Factors l…
Hyalyronian acidhaviscositylubricationviscoelasticity - A2015
Innervation Changes Induced by Inflammation of the Thoracolumbar Fascia
U Hoheisel, J Rosner, S MenseThis animal study investigated how inflammation affects the nerves in the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) of rats. Researchers induced inflammation in the TLF and compared its nerve fiber density to that of healthy fascia. W…
inflammationfasciafasciitisfascia innervationsympathetic fibers - B2015
Manual therapies and hypoalgesia: What are the mechanisms?
Leon ChaitowThis is a title-only entry, and its contents have not yet been summarized. The title suggests the article explores the possible mechanisms behind hypoalgesia, or a decreased sensitivity to pain, following manual therapi…
Editorial - 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 - A2015
Collagen network strengthening following cyclic tensile loading
Monica E Susilo, Jeffrey A Paten, Edward A Sander, Thao D Nguyen, Jeffrey W RubertiTissues adapt to the mechanical loads they experience, with collagen being the primary load-bearing component. In this study, researchers investigated how a collagen-based material responded to repeated, cyclic tensile…
collagen networkmechanical adaptationtissue remodelling - A2015
Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations
Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis narrative review summarizes lab-based (in vitro) studies investigating how simulated osteopathic treatments, like myofascial release, affect fibroblasts. The authors found that applying mechanical strain to these c…
fasciaFibroblastsManual TherapyOsteopathic - A2015
Duration and Magnitude of Myofascial Release in 3-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Wound Healing
Thanh V Cao, Michael R Hicks, Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis laboratory study investigated how myofascial release (MFR) affects wound healing in bioengineered tendons. Researchers created a wound in the tendon models and then applied different magnitudes and durations of str…
wound healingMyofascial release - 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