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+2010
Tendon and ligament fibrillar crimps give rise to left-handed helices of collagen fibrils in both planar and helical crimps
Marco Franchi, Vittoria Ottani, Rita Stagni, Alessandro RuggeriTendons and ligaments have a wavy structure known as a "crimp," which straightens out as the tissue is stretched. This study on rat tissue used various microscopy techniques to examine the 3D shape of the individual col…
collagen handedness; fibrillar crimp; helical crimps; ligament; planar crimps; tendon - 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 - 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
Collagens
Marion K Gordon, Rita A HahnThis 2010 review describes the collagen family, a group of proteins that form the structural framework of the body's tissues. Each collagen molecule consists of three chains twisted into a triple helix, a shape that giv…
Collagens; Extracellular matrix; Fibrils; FACITs; Basement membrane - A2010
The role and mechanical behavior of the connective tissue in tendon sliding
J-C Guimberteau, J-P Delage, J WongBased on 215 in-vivo dissections, this study challenges the traditional understanding of how tendons slide. The authors propose that tendon movement is not simple gliding, but rather occurs within a complex, adaptable c…
Tendon; Carpal sheath; Sliding system; Tendon vascularization; Finger flexor reconstruction; Collagenic fibrillar framework; Microvacuole - 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 - C2010
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes: key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Beatrix Bartok, Gary S FiresteinRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex disease involving multiple immune cells. This review highlights the crucial role of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), cells in the joint lining that become unusually aggressive i…
inflammationcytokinessignaling proteinrheumatoid arthritis - A2010
Transcapillary exchange: role and importance of the interstitial fluid pressure and the extracellular matrix
Rolf K Reed, Kristofer RubinThis narrative review discusses how the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the pressure of its fluid (interstitial fluid pressure, or Pif) regulate fluid exchange with capillaries. Conventionally, this pressure is seen as a…
inflammationConnective tissueglycosaminoglycansbeta-Integrin receptors - 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
How much time is required to modify a fascial fibrosis?
Ercole Borgini, Antonio Stecco, Julie Ann Day, Carla SteccoThis study investigated how long it takes for manual therapy to alter a palpable sensation of fascial "fibrosis" and reduce discomfort. Researchers worked with 40 people experiencing low back pain, applying the Fascial…
fasciaConnective tissueManual Therapylow back painManipulation - A++2010
Iron bioavailability and dietary reference values
Richard Hurrell, Ines EgliThis review discusses how the human body absorbs iron and how dietary reference values are determined. Since the body lacks a physiological mechanism to excrete excess iron, balance is maintained solely through intestin…
Iron uptake - A+++2010
Electrical impedance of acupuncture meridians: the relevance of subcutaneous collagenous bands
Andrew C Ahn, Min Park, Jessica R Shaw, Claire A McManus, Ted J Kaptchuk, Helene M LangevinThis study investigated whether acupuncture meridians are characterized by lower electrical impedance and if this is linked to subcutaneous connective tissue. Researchers measured three meridians in 28 healthy subjects…
Acupuncture