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 effect of acute exercise on collagen turnover in human tendons: influence of prior immobilization period
Researchers investigated how a period of immobility affects the Achilles tendon's response to exercise. In this study, eight healthy men had one leg immobilized for two weeks while the other was used normally. Afterward…
Understanding mechanotransduction and biotensegrity from an adaptation perspective
This article, for which only the title is available, appears to be a conceptual exploration of mechanotransduction and biotensegrity. Mechanotransduction is the process by which cells sense and respond to mechanical for…
Cranial nerves XIII and XIV: nerves in the shadows
This narrative review discusses two often-overlooked cranial nerves: the terminal nerve (XIII) and the intermediate nerve (XIV). The authors note that while these nerves have been known for over a century, they are freq…
Exercise training initiated in late middle age attenuates cardiac fibrosis and advanced glycation end-product accumulation in senescent rats
This animal study investigated if exercise started later in life could still benefit the aging heart. Researchers had late middle-aged rats begin treadmill training and continue into old age, comparing them to sedentary…
Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons
This 2012 review paper explores the concept of 'earthing' or 'grounding,' which involves direct physical contact with the Earth's surface electrons. The authors propose that modern lifestyles separate humans from this c…
The role of stromal cells in the persistence of chronic inflammation
This review article explores why chronic inflammation often persists in specific anatomical locations. The authors highlight that stromal cells, particularly the fibroblasts that define a tissue's architecture, are like…
Stretching of the Back Improves Gait, Mechanical Sensitivity and Connective Tissue Inflammation in a Rodent Model
In this rodent study, researchers investigated how stretching affects inflammation in the connective tissue of the low back. They first induced local inflammation, which resulted in altered gait, increased mechanical se…
Fluid Flow along Venous Adventitia in Rabbits: Is It a Potential Drainage System Complementary to Vascular Circulations?
In this animal study on rabbits, researchers investigated a potential fluid drainage system within the body's connective tissue. By injecting tracers, they visualized pathways along the loose connective tissue surroundi…
Human myometrium – the ultrastructural 3D network of telocytes
This study examined a relatively new type of cell, the telocyte, within the human myometrium, the muscular layer of the uterus. Using advanced microscopy, researchers visualized these cells and their very long extension…
An MRI Study of Symptomatic Adhesive Capsulitis
This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the shoulders of 60 patients with clinically diagnosed adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) to 60 healthy control subjects. Researchers found significant diff…
Lymphatic and interstitial flow in the tumour microenvironment: linking mechanobiology with immunity
This review explores how tumors interact with the lymphatic system to grow and spread. Increased fluid flow from a tumor to nearby lymph nodes does more than just transport cancer cells. This flow also creates mechanica…
The thoracolumbar fascia: anatomy, function and clinical considerations
This overview paper examines the anatomy and function of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), the complex sheet of connective tissue in the lower back. The authors describe its multiple layers, which separate and connect the…