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
Understanding Fibroblasts in Order to Comprehend the Osteopathic Treatment of the Fascia
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierIn this review paper, the authors argue that understanding fibroblasts is essential for comprehending and applying osteopathic treatment of the fascia. As the foundational cells of connective tissue, fibroblasts have ma…
fasciafibroblastosteopathy - A2015
Primo Vascular System: An Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Potential Transitional Tissue Involved in Gastric Cancer Metastasis
An Ping, Su Zhendong, Qu Rongmei, Dai Jingxing, Chen Wei, Zhou Zhongyin, Luo Hesheng, Kwang-Sup SohThe primo vascular system (PVS) is described as a distinct circulatory network beyond the blood and lymphatic systems. This study investigated the role this system might play in the spread of gastric cancer. The researc…
fasciacancermetastasisprimo vascular system - A2015
Primo-Vascular System as Presented by Bong Han Kim
Vitaly Vodyanoy, Oleg Pustovyy, Ludmila Globa, Iryna SorokulovaIn the 1960s, researcher Bong Han Kim described a new vascular system, distinct from the blood and lymph systems, which he proposed was involved in tissue regeneration. However, his work was difficult for later scientis…
fasciaprimo vascular system - A2015
Reflections on osteopathic fascia treatment in the peripheral nervous system
Bruno Bordoni, Giovanni BordoniIn this reflective article, the authors discuss the fascia of the peripheral nervous system. They explain that nerves are enclosed in several layers of fascia that must be able to slide, and that impeded sliding can be…
fasciapainfascial treatmentnerve palpation - A2015
Essential Experimental Methods for Identifying Bonghan Systems as a Basis for Korean Medicine: Focusing on Visual Materials from Original Papers and Modern Outcomes
Hoon-Gi Kim, Byung-Cheon Lee, Ki-Bog LeeThis narrative review examines methods for identifying the so-called Bonghan system, also known as the primo vascular system (PVS). This system was originally proposed in the 1960s as the anatomical basis for acupunctur…
fasciaacupunctureprimo vascular systembongan system - A2015
Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations
Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis narrative review summarizes lab-based (in vitro) studies investigating how simulated osteopathic treatments, like myofascial release, affect fibroblasts. The authors found that applying mechanical strain to these c…
fasciaFibroblastsManual TherapyOsteopathic - A2014
Clinical and symptomatological reflections: the fascial system
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis narrative review discusses the fascial system as a continuous network of connective tissue that gives form and function to the entire body. The authors note that despite its importance in transmitting force, coordi…
fasciapainlow back painOsteopathicneck - A2014
Skin, fascias, and scars: symptoms and systemic connections
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis review article explores how skin, fascia, and scars are interconnected and can affect the entire body. The authors describe the skin as an organ that communicates with the nervous system and other structures. When…
fasciaOsteopathicSkinscarringscar - A2014
Specific Sizes of Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Stimulate Fibroblast Migration and Excisional Wound Repair
C Tolg, P Telmer, E TurleyHyaluronan (HA) is a molecule important for wound healing, and its effects appear to depend on its size. In this study using cell cultures and animal models, researchers investigated how specific, small fragments of HA…
fasciahyaluronan molecular sizehyaluronan fragmentswound healing - B2014
Neuroreceptor Activation by Vibration-Assisted Tunneling
Ross D Hoehn, David Nichols, Hartmut Neven, Sabre KaisThis theoretical study used quantum chemical modeling to explore how receptors in the nervous system get activated. The researchers propose a model where a molecule's specific vibrations, like a musical key, may be what…
fasciag-proteinpharmacologyGPCRssilicopotency - A2014
Mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix homeostasis
Jay D Humphrey, Eric R Dufresne, Martin A SchwartzConnective tissues are dynamic, constantly adapting even at rest. Cells within these tissues continually sense mechanical cues from their environment through a process called mechanotransduction. In response, they maint…
fasciaextracellular matrixIntegrinsmechanosensingmechanoregulation - 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