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- 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 - A++2011
Vibration therapy of the plantar fascia improves spasticity of the lower limbs of a patient with fetal-type Minamata disease in the chronic stage
Fusako Usuki, Satsuki TohyamaThis case report describes a treatment for spasticity in a patient with fetal-type Minamata disease. Researchers used a hand-held vibration massager applied directly to the patient's plantar fascia and hamstrings. After…
spasticityvibration therapy - 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 - 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 - B2011
The effect of molecular weight on hyaluronan’s cartilage boundary lubricating ability e alone and in combination with proteoglycan 4
J J Kwiecinski, S G Dorosz, T E Ludwig, S Abubacker, Mary K Cowman, T A SchmidtThis study investigated the lubricating ability of hyaluronan (HA) in articular cartilage, focusing on how its molecular weight affects function. Researchers found that higher molecular weight hyaluronan was more effect…
hyaluronanCartilage boundary lubricationProteoglycan 4 (PRG4) - 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
Structure and function of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix
Allison R Gillies, Richard L LieberThis narrative review explores the extracellular matrix (ECM), the connective tissue network within skeletal muscle. The authors describe the ECM's crucial roles in transmitting force and in muscle maintenance and repai…
Skeletal muscle; extracellular matrix; collagen; biomechanics; fibrosis - A2011
Chronic Disease: Are We Missing Something?
James L OschmanThis 2011 editorial by James L. Oschman poses a question in its title: "Chronic Disease: Are We Missing Something?". Without an abstract or full text available for summary, the specific perspective or argument presented…
fasciachronic diseaseearthing - A2010
Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Observing Primo Vascular System Along Sciatic Nerve
Zhao-Feng Jia, Byung-Cheon Lee, Ki-Hoon Eom, Jin-Myung Cha, Jin-Kyu Lee, Zhen-Dong Su, Wen-Hui Yu, Pan Dong Ryu, Kwang-…In this animal study, researchers injected fluorescent nanoparticles into rats at an acupuncture point to trace their path. The particles traveled along the sciatic nerve, revealing a previously hard-to-detect structure…
fasciaacupunctureSCIATIC NERVEprimo vascular systemprimo-vessel - A2010
Possible Applications for Fascial Anatomy and Fasciaology in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yu Bai, Lin Yuan, Kwang-Sup Soh, Byung-Cheon Lee, Yong Huang, Chun-lei Wang, Jun Wang, Jin-peng Wu, Jing-xing Dai, Jano…This theoretical paper proposes a new framework for understanding anatomy, called "fascial anatomy," and a new field of study, "fasciaology." The authors suggest that the body's fascial network may be the anatomical bas…
fasciameridiansacupointsprimo-vesseltraditional Chinese medicine - A++2010
The Pelvic Crossed Syndromes: A reflection of imbalanced function in the myofascial envelope; a further exploration of Janda’s work
Josephine KeyThis article explores how the pelvis and spine are functionally interdependent. The sacrum and coccyx serve a dual role as the base of the spinal column and as part of the pelvic ring, requiring complex control. Coordin…
Back pain; Pelvic pain; Motor control; Posturo-movement dysfunction; Lumbo-pelvic-hip movement control; Therapeutic exercise; Core stability; Clinical sub-group classification - A+2010
The straight line hypothesis elaborated: Case reference obesity, an argument for acidosis, oxidative stress, and disease conglomeration
Shoma BerkemeyerThis review article brings together existing research to explain how obesity may be linked to oxidative stress. The author proposes that a proton imbalance, or acidosis, could be a key mechanism. This imbalance may inhi…
Oxidative stressobesityacidosisproton imbalance