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 studiesTendon and ligament fibrillar crimps give rise to left-handed helices of collagen fibrils in both planar and helical crimps
Tendons 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…
3D reconstruction of the crural and thoracolumbar fasciae
Researchers 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…
Tissue stretch induces nuclear remodeling in connective tissue fibroblasts
In 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…
Collagens
This 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…
The role and mechanical behavior of the connective tissue in tendon sliding
Based 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…
In Vitro Modeling of Repetitive Motion Injury and Myofascial Release
In 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…
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes: key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid 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…
Transcapillary exchange: role and importance of the interstitial fluid pressure and the extracellular matrix
This 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…
A new lock-step mechanism of matrix remodelling based on subcellular contractile events
Myofibroblasts 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…
How much time is required to modify a fascial fibrosis?
This 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…
Iron bioavailability and dietary reference values
This 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…
Electrical impedance of acupuncture meridians: the relevance of subcutaneous collagenous bands
This 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…