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 studiesThe role of collagen crosslinks in ageing and diabetes - the good, the bad, and the ugly
This narrative review explores how glucose in the body can bind to proteins like collagen, a process called glycation. This process creates crosslinks that can change the mechanical properties and function of connective…
Case study: Could ultrasound and elastography visualized densified areas inside the deep fascia?
In this case study, researchers used ultrasound and elastography to visualize the deep fascia of a 40-year-old male with calf pain. The imaging techniques allowed them to see changes in the fascia's gliding, echogenicit…
Biotensegrity of the extracellular matrix: physiology, dynamic mechanical balance, and implications in oncology and mechanotherapy
This 2014 review article explores the concept of biotensegrity, a principle where cells and tissues maintain structural integrity through a balance of tension and compression. This dynamic mechanical balance involves th…
Ultraweak photon emission as a non-invasive health assessment: a systematic review
This systematic review explores the use of ultraweak photon emission (UPE) as a non-invasive tool for assessing human health. By analyzing 56 studies, researchers found that measuring light particles emitted by the body…
Nociception originating from the crural fascia in rats
This animal study investigated how the crural fascia, the connective tissue around the lower leg muscles, might be a source of pain signals in rats. Researchers found that this fascia is densely populated with nerve fib…
Of Mice, Men and Elephants: The Relation between Articular Cartilage Thickness and Body Mass
This study investigated how articular cartilage adapts to body size across different mammals. Researchers analyzed cartilage from the knee joints of 58 species, ranging from mice to elephants. They found that while cart…
Plantar fascia anatomy and its relationship with Achilles tendon and paratenon
This study investigated the detailed anatomy of the plantar fascia and its connection to the Achilles tendon. Dissections of human cadavers revealed that the fascia is more closely linked to the paratenon (the tendon's…
Human skeletal muscle ascorbate is highly responsive to changes in vitamin C intake and plasma concentrations
This study investigated how vitamin C intake affects its concentration in human skeletal muscle. Researchers gave 36 men either half a kiwifruit or two kiwifruits daily for six weeks, as kiwifruit is a rich source of vi…
Metabolic control of hyaluronan synthases
This narrative review explores how a cell's energy and nutritional status regulate the production of hyaluronan (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix. HA is synthesized by enzymes called HAS, which require s…
Telocytes: ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and electrophysiological characteristics in human myometrium
This study identifies a specific cell type, telocytes, within the muscular wall of both the pregnant and non-pregnant human uterus. Researchers found that these cells have a different structure depending on whether the…
Sensory findings after stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia with hypertonic saline suggest its contribution to low back pain
This experimental study investigated the role of the thoracolumbar fascia as a potential source of low back pain. Researchers injected a pain-inducing saline solution into the fascia, back muscles, and subcutaneous tiss…
Hyaluronic acid production and molecular weight improvement by redirection of carbon flux towards its biosynthesis pathway
Researchers investigated how to optimize the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) in bacteria. In the bacterium *Streptococcus zooepidemicus*, HA production competes for the same nutrients as other processes like cell gro…