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 studiesVariant connective tissue (joint hypermobility) and dysautonomia are associated with multimorbidity at the intersection between physical and psychological health
This study investigated the links between joint hypermobility, autonomic nervous system dysfunction (dysautonomia), and anxiety in adults with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. Researchers found that this…
Altering Dynamics of Autonomic Processing Therapy (ADAPT) trial: a novel, targeted treatment for reducing anxiety in joint hypermobility
This paper describes the protocol for a clinical trial investigating a new therapy for anxiety in people with joint hypermobility. The proposed therapy, called ADAPT, combines bio-behavioral training with cognitive appr…
Connecting brain and body: Transdiagnostic relevance of connective tissue variants to neuropsychiatric symptom expression
This narrative review explores the growing evidence linking joint hypermobility, a common connective tissue variant, with a range of psychiatric conditions. The authors summarize the well-established connection to anxie…
Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 1
This review article discusses the need for clear, scientifically grounded terminology for the fascial system. The authors, representing the FORCE organization, emphasize the importance of an impartial approach to fascia…
Beyond bones: The relevance of variants of connective tissue (hypermobility) to fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and controversies surrounding diagnostic classification: an observational study
This observational study investigated the link between hypermobility, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS. Researchers found a significant overlap in symptoms between fibromyalgia and ME/CFS in the patient group. A large majority…
A Closer Look at the Cellular and Molecular Components of the Deep/Muscular Fasciae
This narrative review describes fascia as a complex and dynamic connective tissue network. This network is composed of different cell types, an extracellular matrix, and nerve fibers. Each component plays a specific rol…
Evidence of a new hidden neural network into deep fasciae
In this study on mice, researchers examined the nerve networks within two different types of deep fascia: the thoracolumbar fascia (in the lower back) and the gluteal fascia (around the buttock muscles). They found that…
Fascia Mobility, Proprioception, and Myofascial Pain
The body's fascial network is a crucial, yet often overlooked, component of the musculoskeletal system. Its ability to allow muscles and other tissues to slide past one another is essential for healthy movement and may…
Hyaluronan and the Fascial Frontier
This narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in the body's fascial system. HA is a key component of the extracellular matrix, widely used in products from skin creams to joint injections for its ability to…
Fascial or Muscle Stretching? A Narrative Review
In this narrative review, the authors explore what actually happens in the body during stretching. While it's traditionally been assumed that stretching acts on muscles and tendons, this analysis of tissue mechanics sug…
Parameter-Dependency of Low-Intensity Vibration for Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice
In this animal study on diabetic mice, researchers investigated how different settings of low-intensity vibration affect wound healing. The mice were exposed to various combinations of vibration frequency and accelerati…
Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 Activated by Matrix Stiffness Regulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence and Apoptosis in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
This study investigates how the mechanical environment of the intervertebral disc influences cellular health during disc degeneration. Researchers found that as the central part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) becomes st…