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- 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 - 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 - A++2010
Biophotons as neural communication signals demonstrated by in situ biophoton autography
Yan Sun, Chao Wang, Jiapei DaiThis in vitro study on rat nerve tissue explored whether biophotons—extremely weak light emitted by living cells—could act as signals in the nervous system. Researchers stimulated one end of a spinal nerve root with var…
fasciabiophotonsultraweak photonsneural communication - 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 - B2010
Mechanical Strain Stabilizes Reconstituted Collagen Fibrils against Enzymatic Degradation by Mammalian Collagenase Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8)
Brendan P Flynn, Amit P Bhole, Nima Saeidi, Melody Liles, Charles A DiMarzio, Jeffrey W RubertiThis laboratory study investigated how mechanical tension affects collagen's resistance to breakdown. Researchers created small networks of type I collagen fibers, gently stretching some while leaving others unloaded. B…
collagenstrainCollagenase - 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 - B2010
Force Transmission between Synergistic Skeletal Muscles through Connective Tissue Linkages
Huub Maas, Thomas G SandercockThis review examines how force is transmitted between neighboring muscles through their shared connective tissue. Traditionally, muscles were seen as independent units pulling on bones via tendons, but emerging research…
Connective tissueForce transmissionepimuscular - 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
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
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 - 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 - 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