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
Metabolic control of hyaluronan synthases
Davide Vigetti, Manuela Viola, Evgenia Karousou, Giancarlo De Luca, Alberto PassiThis 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…
fasciaGlycosaminoglycanO-GlcNacylationUDP-GlcUAUDP-GlcNA - 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 - B2013
CCN2: a mechanosignaling sensor modulating integrin-dependent connective tissue remodeling in fibroblasts?
Andrew LeaskMechanical tension is essential for the function and health of connective tissue. In skin fibroblasts, the protein integrin β1 plays a key role in adhesion and in regulating healing and fibrosis (scarring). This theoret…
fibrosismechanotransductionIntegrinsCCN2CTGF - A++2013
Squeeze film lubrication for non-Newtonian fluids with application to manual medicine
Hans Chaudhry, Bruce Bukiet, Max Roman, Antonio Stecco, Thomas FindleyResearchers used a mathematical model to investigate how manual therapy affects the fluid in and around fascia. The model focused on hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural lubricant in connective tissue. The results suggest th…
fasciaHyaluronic acidmassage therapyvibrationsmanual manipulation - 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. - A2013
Dosed Myofascial Release in Three-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Human Fibroblast Hyperplasia, Hypertrophy, and Cytokine Secretion
Thanh V Cao, Michael R Hicks, David Campbell, Paul R StandleyThis laboratory study investigated how different amounts and durations of simulated myofascial release (MFR) affect lab-grown human tendon tissue. Researchers applied varying degrees of stretch for different lengths of…
fasciamusculoskeletal manipulationsFibroblaststendons - A2013
Cellular Control of Connective Tissue Matrix Tension
H M Langevin, M Nedergaard, A HoweThis review article explores how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, actively help regulate tissue tension. Traditionally, the mechanical properties of connective tissue have been attributed to its passive…
Connective tissuefibroblastmechanicalatpcytoskeleton - A2013
Heparan sulfate in the nucleus and its control of cellular functions
Mark D Stewart, Ralph D SandersonThis narrative review discusses the roles of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) inside the cell nucleus. These molecules are typically found on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix, where they help regula…
ProteoglycanSyndecan-1Nuclear localizationChromatin modificationProliferation - 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 - B2013
Hyaluronic acid production and molecular weight improvement by redirection of carbon flux towards its biosynthesis pathway
Mihir V Shah, Sneh S Badle, K B RamachandranResearchers 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…
Hyaluronic acidMetabolic flux analysisBatch processingBioreactorsProduction kinetics - 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