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++2011
Review of Evidence Suggesting That the Fascia Network Could Be the Anatomical Basis for Acupoints and Meridians in the Human Body
Yu Bai, Jun Wang, Jin-Peng Wu, Jing-Xing Dai, Ou Sha, David Tai Wai Yew, Lin Yuan, Qiu-Ni LiangThis narrative review explores the idea that the body's fascia network could be the physical structure behind traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM) meridians and acupoints. The authors examine anatomical, physiological,…
fasciaacupunctureacupoints - A+2011
The presence of physiological stress shielding in the degenerative cycle of musculoskeletal disorders
Mark Driscoll, L BlyumThis theoretical paper discusses how mechanical stimulation is essential for tissue health, a concept known as mechanical homeostasis. When this process is flawed, it can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal…
Fascia; Musculoskeletal; Cerebral palsy; Remodeling; Stress shielding - A2011
The Genetics of Vitamin C Loss in Vertebrates
Guy Drouin, Jean-Rémi Godin, Benoît PagéThis narrative review explores why some vertebrate species, including humans, cannot produce their own Vitamin C. The inability to synthesize this crucial nutrient, important for collagen and antioxidant functions, stem…
BiosynthesisVitamin CAscorbic acidGLO geneL-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase - 1A+++2011
Hyaluronan within fascia in the etiology of myofascial pain
Carla Stecco, R Stern, A Porzionato, V Macchi, S Masiero, Antonio Stecco, R De CaroIn this cadaver and ultrasound study, researchers examined the composition of deep fascia. They identified layers of hyaluronan (HA), a lubricating substance, between the fascia and muscle, as well as between the fascia…
fasciaHyaluronic acidSliding systemLoose connective tissueFasciacyte - A2011
Hyaluronan as an Immune Regulator in Human Diseases
Paul W Noble, Jiurong Liang, Dianhua JiangThis 2011 narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in the immune system. While intact HA is a normal part of the extracellular matrix, fragments of HA produced during tissue injury can act as signals. These…
hyaluronanfascia - A++2011
Optimizing an Intermittent Stretch Paradigm Using ERK1/2 Phosphorylation Results in Increased Collagen Synthesis in Engineered Ligaments
Jennifer Z Paxton, Paul Hagerty, Jonathan J Andrick, Keith BaarThis study on engineered ligaments explored how different stretching patterns affect tissue development. Researchers used a bioreactor to apply cyclic stretch, measuring cellular responses by tracking a key protein call…
collagen synthesisERK 1/2 phosphorylationintermittent stretch - A2011
High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Differentially Regulate Human Fibrocyte Differentiation
A S Maharjan, D Pilling, R H GomerFollowing tissue injury, immune cells called monocytes can differentiate into fibrocytes, a cell type involved in healing and fibrosis. This study investigated how different sizes of hyaluronic acid (HA) affect this pro…
hyaluronanfasciafibrocyte differentiationmonocyte - A2011
Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts: What are we talking about?
Jennifer Baum, Heather S DuffyThis 2011 narrative review explores the roles of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, two key cell types in the heart's connective tissue. Once considered static, research indicates these cells are dynamic and play an active…
fasciafibroblastMyofibroblast - A2011
Sensory Innervation of the Thoracolumbar Fascia in Rats and Humans
J Tesarz, U Hoheisel, B Wiedenhöfer, S MenseThis study investigated the nerve supply of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), the connective tissue of the low back, in both rats and humans. Researchers found that the fascia is richly innervated with sensory nerves, but…
fasciaNociceptionThoracolumbar fascialow back painimmunohistochemistry - A2011
The extracellular matrix: an active or passive player in fibrosis?
T N Wight, S Potter-PerigoFibrosis, the excessive buildup of scar tissue, can be understood as a wound healing process that has gone awry. Normally, specialized cells called myofibroblasts help repair tissue and then disappear, but in fibrosis,…
fasciaprovisional extracellular matrixmyofibroblatcollagenhyaluronan proteoglycans - A2011
Management of the stiff shoulder. A prospective multicenter comparative study of the six main techniques in use: 235 cases
P Gleyzea, P Clavert, P-H Flurin, E Laprelle, D Katz, B Toussaint, T Benkalfate, C Charousset, T Joudet, T Georges, L H…This prospective study compared six different therapeutic techniques for stiff shoulder in 235 patients. Researchers evaluated conventional rehabilitation below the pain threshold against self-rehabilitation pushing pas…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitisPain managementAlgodystrophyTherapeutic education - A2011
Hyaluronan in intestinal homeostasis and inflammation: implications for fibrosis
Carol A de la MotteThis narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in intestinal health and disease. Chronic intestinal inflammation can lead to fibrosis, or scarring, a process driven by inflammatory signals and specialized ce…
hafasciaextracellular matrixfibrosismesenchymal cells