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+2013
The myofibroblast matrix: implications for tissue repair and fibrosis
Franco Klingberg, Boris Hinz, Eric S WhiteThis review explores the role of myofibroblasts and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue repair and fibrosis. The ECM is not just a passive scaffold for cells, but an active tissue with its own bioactive properties.…
ECM; myofibroblast; fibrosis - A2013
Histological examination of the human obliquus capitis inferior myodural bridge
Matthew E Pontella, Frank Scali, Dennis E Enix, Patrick J Battaglia, Ewarld MarshallThis cadaver study examined the connection between a deep neck muscle, the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI), and the dura mater, the tough outer layer covering the spinal cord. Researchers dissected tissue from eight cad…
fasciacervical spineMyodural Bridgeobliquus capitis inferiordura - A2013
Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: influence of respiration on the body system
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis review article explains why the diaphragm muscle is a critical crossroads of information for the entire body. The authors describe its extensive anatomical, fascial, and neurological connections, which link it to s…
fasciadiaphragmPelvisphrenic nervevagus nerve - A2013
Human skeletal muscle ascorbate is highly responsive to changes in vitamin C intake and plasma concentrations
Anitra C Carr, Stephanie M Bozonet, Juliet M Pullar, Jeremy W Simcock, Margreet C M VissersThis 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…
Vitamin Cascorbate - A2013
A pilot study of myofascial release therapy compared to Swedish massage in Fibromyalgia
Ginevra Liptan, Scott Mist, Cheryl Wright, Anna Arzt, Kim Dupree JonesThis small pilot study compared the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and Swedish massage on women with fibromyalgia. Participants received either MFR or Swedish massage for 90 minutes weekly over four weeks. While bo…
fasciaMyofascial releaseFibromyalgiamassage therapycentral sensitization - A2013
Applications and Emerging Trends of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue Engineering, as a Dermal Filler, and in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Amir Fakhari, Cory BerklandThis narrative review summarizes knowledge about hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring polymer found in the body's connective tissues and fluids. The authors describe how HA contributes to the structural propertie…
fasciaHyaluronic acidcrosslinkingdermal fillerviscosupplement - A2013
Sensory findings after stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia with hypertonic saline suggest its contribution to low back pain
Andreas Schilder, Ulrich Hoheisel, Walter Magerl, Justus Benrath, Thomas Klein, Rolf-Detlef TreedeThis 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…
fasciaThoracolumbar fascialow back painhypertonic salineerector spinae muscle - A+2013
Vitamin C intake, circulating vitamin C and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Guo-Chong Chen, Da-Bing Lu, Zhi Pang, Qing-Fang LiuThis meta-analysis combined data from multiple prospective studies to investigate the link between vitamin C and stroke risk. The researchers found that people with higher dietary intake of vitamin C had a lower risk of…
antioxidants • diet • meta-analysis • prevention • stroke - 1A+2013
Cytoskeletal remodeling of connective tissue fibroblasts in response to static stretch is dependent on matrix material properties
R D Abbott, C Koptiuch, J C Iatridis, A K Howe, G J Badger, H M LangevinThis study investigated how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, change shape in response to static stretching. Researchers compared fibroblasts in loose (areolar) and dense connective tissues, as well as ce…
Fibroblasts; cytoskeleton; dense connective tissue; areolar connective tissue; mechanotransduction - C2013
Heparan sulfate proteoglycan as a cell-surface endocytosis receptor
Helena C Christianson, Mattias BeltingIn this review, the authors discuss how large molecules enter the body's cells. They focus on heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), a type of molecule on the cell surface that acts as a receptor or docking station. Man…
GlycosaminoglycanExosomesDrug deliveryMacromoleculesMembrane transport - B2013
TGF-β: Guardian of T Cell Function
Soyoung A Oh, Ming O LiIn this review article, the authors discuss the role of the cytokine TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta) in the immune system. TGF-β is critical for regulating T cells, a type of white blood cell central to the adap…
cytokinesimmune systemTGF-betaT-cells - A2013
Complete Obstetric Anal Sphincter Tear and Risk of Long-term Fecal Incontinence: A Cohort Study
Mette M Soerensen, Steen Buntzen, Karl M Bek, Søren LaurbergThis cohort study followed women for over 20 years to assess the long-term effects of complete anal sphincter tears during childbirth. Researchers compared 125 women who experienced such a tear with 238 women who gave b…
Anal sphincter injury; Fecal incontinence; Quality of life.