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- A2015
The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues
Mary K Cowman, Hong-Gee Lee, Kathryn L Schwertfeger, James B McCarthy,, Eva A TurleyHyaluronan is a simple sugar polymer found throughout the body's tissues and fluids. It is typically produced as a very large, high-molecular-mass molecule. This narrative review notes that during processes like inflamm…
hyaluronanfasciaquantificationassaymolecular mass - A2015
Modelling the mechanoreceptor’s dynamic behaviour
Zhuoyi Song, Robert W Banks, Guy S BewickThis study developed a computational model to better understand how mechanoreceptors, our body's stretch and pressure sensors, adapt to stimuli. Researchers adapted a model originally used for vision in flies to simulat…
fasciabiophysical modelfly photoreceptorrefractory periodsensory adaptation - A2015
Sensory Nerve Fibers Containing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Gastrocnemius, Latissimus Dorsi and Erector Spinae Muscles and Thoracolumbar Fascia in Mice
C M Barry, G Kestell, M Gillan, R V Haberberger, I L GibbinsIn this animal study, researchers investigated sensory nerve fibers containing CGRP, a peptide involved in pain signaling. They compared the presence of these nerve fibers in various muscles (gastrocnemius, latissimus d…
fasciaBack PainThoracolumbar fasciaimmunohistochemistrysensory innervation - A2015
Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on inflammatory biomarker expression in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review
Kenji Sanada, Marta Alda Díez, Montserrat Salas Valero, María Cruz Pérez-Yus, Marcelo M P Demarzo, Mauro García-Toro, J…This systematic review examined how non-drug treatments affect inflammatory markers in people with fibromyalgia. Researchers analyzed 12 studies involving 536 participants who underwent exercise, dietary, or multidiscip…
fasciaFibromyalgiapaincytokinessleep quality - A2015
A multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review
Emiliano Zanier, Bruno BordoniThis narrative review examines complementary and alternative medicine approaches to treating scar tissue. The authors survey literature on osteopathy, naturopathy, and manual therapies like physiotherapy. They also disc…
fasciaosteopathyscarwoundcomplementary and alternative medicine - A2015
Modes of cancer cell invasion and the role of the microenvironment
Andrew G Clark, Danijela Matic VignjevicFor cancer to spread, or metastasize, tumor cells must first invade the surrounding connective tissue (stroma). This review article describes how cancer cells can move in different ways—either as single cells or in coll…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancertumor invasionmicroenvironment - A2014
Biotensegrity of the extracellular matrix: physiology, dynamic mechanical balance, and implications in oncology and mechanotherapy
Irene Tadeo, Ana P Berbegall, Luis M Escudero,Tomás Álvaro, Rosa NogueraThis 2014 review article explores the concept of biotensegrity, a principle where cells and tissues maintain structural integrity through a balance of tension and compression. This dynamic mechanical balance involves th…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancerbiotensegritymechanotherapy - A2014
Definition of the To Be Named Ligament and Vertebrodural Ligament and Their Possible Effects on the Circulation of CSF
Nan Zheng, Xiao-Ying Yuan, Yun-Fei Li, Yan-Yan Chi, Hai-Bin Gao, Xin Zhao, Sheng-Bo Yu, Hong-Jin Sui, John SharkeyIn this cadaver study, researchers investigated connective tissue structures in the upper neck of 30 human specimens. They identified two specific ligaments, the 'to be named ligament' (TBNL) and the vertebrodural ligam…
fasciadura materMyodural Bridgecerebrospinal fluid circulation - A2014
Our Internal Universe
Stephen M LevinThis 2014 entry, titled 'Our Internal Universe' by Stephen M Levin, has not yet been summarized. The title suggests a conceptual exploration of the body's internal environment, possibly from a structural or philosophica…
fasciaTensegrityhapticperception - A++2014
Spatiotemporal Imaging of Glutamate-Induced Biophotonic Activities and Transmission in Neural Circuits
Rendong Tang, Jiapei DaiThis study on mouse brain tissue investigated biophotons, which are ultra-weak light emissions from biological systems. Researchers found that applying the neurotransmitter glutamate caused a significant and long-lastin…
fasciabiophotonsultraweak photons - A2014
Lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns in three stances under graded loading conditions: Proposing a tensegrity model for load transfer through the sacroiliac joints
Hamed Pardehshenas, Nader Maroufi, Mohammad Ali Sanjari, Mohamad Parnianpour, Stephen M LevinResearchers investigated how lumbopelvic muscles activate to stabilize the sacroiliac (SI) joints under different loads. They compared muscle activity in 30 men during two-legged and one-legged standing while holding we…
fasciasacroiliac jointload transferwire-spoke wheel modelarch theory; Self-bracing - 1A+2014
Painful Connections: Densification Versus Fibrosis of Fascia
P G Pavan, Antonio Stecco, R Stern, Carla SteccoIn this review article, the authors describe two types of fascial changes that can cause pain: densification and fibrosis. Densification is described as a reversible alteration in the viscosity of the loose connective t…
hyaluronanfasciafibrosisdensificationConnective tissue