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- A2011
Correlations Between Fasciology and Yin Yang Doctrine
Hui Tao, Mei-Chun Yu, Hui-Ying Yang, Rong-Mei Qu, Chun Yang, Xin Zhou, Yu Bai, Jing-Peng Wu, Jun Wang, Ou Sha, Lin YuanThis theoretical paper explores correlations between "fasciology," a model based on 3D reconstruction of connective tissue, and the traditional Chinese doctrine of yin and yang. According to fasciology, the body can be…
fasciafasciologyfascial anatomytwo-system theoryyin yang doctrine - 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
Elevated [11C]-D-Deprenyl Uptake in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder Suggests Persistent Musculoskeletal Inflammation
Clas Linnman, Lieuwe Appel, Mats Fredrikson, Torsten Gordh, Anne Söderlund, Bengt Långström, Henry EnglerDiagnosing chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is often difficult, as standard structural imaging methods seldom show clear signs of injury. This study used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with a tracer molecu…
inflammationfasciaWhiplash - 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
Fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling contributes to connective tissue tension
H M Langevin, N A Bouffard, J R Fox, B M Palmer, J Wu, J C Iatridis, W D Barnes, G J Badger, A K HoweThe mechanical properties of connective tissue, such as its elasticity and resistance, have traditionally been attributed to its non-cellular matrix. This study investigated the role of fibroblasts, the cells residing w…
fasciaConnective tissuefibroblastcytoskeletal remodeling - A2010
3D reconstruction of the crural and thoracolumbar fasciae
L Benetazzo, A Bizzego, R De Caro, G Frigo, D Guidolin, Carla SteccoResearchers created detailed 3D computer models to visualize the structure of the crural fascia in the lower leg and the superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia in the lower back. They found the crural fascia is c…
Connective tissuecollagenThoracolumbar fasciacrural fascia3D models - C2010
A new lock-step mechanism of matrix remodelling based on subcellular contractile events
Lysianne Follonier Castella, Lara Buscemi, Charles Godbout, Jean-Jacques Meister, Boris HinzMyofibroblasts are cells that contribute to tissue contracture in fibrotic conditions like scarring. This study investigated how these cells contract to remodel tissue. The researchers identified two separate contractio…
fibrosiscollagenMyofibroblastCalcium oscillationsRho kinase - 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
Edema and fluid dynamics in connective tissue remodelling
Rolf K Reed, Åsa Lidén, Kristofer RubinThis review describes the role of loose connective tissues, focusing on fluid exchange across capillaries and the formation of edema (swelling). This process is relevant for conditions like inflammation, fibrosis (scarr…
inflammationLoose connective tissueConnective tissueheartEdema - A++2010
In Vitro Modeling of Repetitive Motion Injury and Myofascial Release
Kate R Meltzer, Thanh V Cao, Joseph F Schad, Hollis King, Scott T Stoll, Paul R StandleyIn this laboratory study, researchers investigated how human connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) respond to simulated repetitive motion strain and myofascial release (MFR). They found that applying a repetitive strain…
Cyclic strain; Human fibroblasts; Morphology; myofascial release; repetitive motion strain - 1A+2010
Tissue stretch induces nuclear remodeling in connective tissue fibroblasts
H M Langevin, K N Storch, R R Snapp, N A Bouffard, G J Badger, A K Howe, D J TaatjesIn a study on mice, researchers investigated how stretching connective tissue affects the nuclei of fibroblast cells. The results showed that when tissue samples were stretched for 30 minutes, the shape of the cell nucl…
Cytoskeleton; subcutaneous; nucleus; mechanotransduction; invagination - A2010
Comparison of Trunk Proprioception Between Patients With Low Back Pain and Healthy Controls
Angela S Lee, Jacek Cholewicki, Peter Reeves, Bohdanna T Zazulak, Lawrence W MysliwiecIn this case-control study, researchers compared trunk proprioception, or the sense of body position and movement, between 24 patients with non-specific low back pain and 24 healthy controls. Participants' ability to se…
Kinesthesis; Low back pain; Proprioception; Rehabilitation; Spine