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- A2009
From mechanotransduction to extracellular matrix gene expression in fibroblasts
Matthias Chiquet, Laurent Gelman, Roman Lutz, Silke MaierThis 2009 review article explores how connective tissue cells, or fibroblasts, sense and respond to mechanical forces from their environment. Cells attach to the surrounding extracellular matrix via adhesion contacts, w…
fasciaextracellular matrixfibroblastcytoskeletonmechanotransduction - A2009
Mechanotherapy: how physical therapists’ prescription of exercise promotes tissue repair
K M Khan, A ScottThis review article explains the concept of "mechanotherapy," which is the use of prescribed exercise to promote tissue repair. The underlying biological process is called mechanotransduction, where the body's cells sen…
fasciamechanotherapyechanotransduction - A2009
The Architecture of the Connective Tissue in the Musculoskeletal System—An Often Overlooked Functional Parameter as to Proprioception in the Locomotor Apparatus
Jaap van der WalThis article proposes that the traditional anatomical view, which separates muscles from "passive" connective tissues like ligaments, is incomplete. The author argues that muscle and connective tissue function together…
fasciaConnective tissueproprioceptionskeletal muscledissection - A++2009
Bonghan Circulatory System as an Extension of Acupuncture Meridians
Kwang-Sup SohThis article describes the Bonghan circulatory system (BHS), a network proposed in the 1960s to correspond with classical acupuncture meridians. After a long period of being overlooked, researchers have recently develop…
fasciacanceracupuncture meridianbonghan corpusclebonghan duct - A+2009
The polyvagal theory: New insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system
STEPHEN W PORGESThe Polyvagal Theory describes the autonomic nervous system from an evolutionary perspective. It focuses on a key phylogenetic shift in the vagus nerve that occurred between reptiles and mammals. This change created a l…
vagus nervepolyvagalfighy and flightfreezeparasympathetic system - A2009
Ultrasound evidence of altered lumbar connective tissue structure in human subjects with chronic low back pain
Helene M Langevin, Debbie Stevens-Tuttle, James R Fox, Gary J Badger, Nicole A Bouffard, Martin H Krag, Junru Wu, Sharo…Researchers investigated whether structural differences exist in the low back's connective tissues between people with and without chronic low back pain. Using ultrasound, they measured the thickness and echogenicity (h…
fasciaConnective tissuelow back painlumbar - A2009
Effect of Loading on the Organization of the Collagen Fibril Network in Juvenile Equine Articular Cartilage
Pieter A J Brama, Jaakko Holopainen, P René van Weeren, Elwyn C Firth, Heikki J Helminen, Mika M HyttinenIn this animal study, researchers investigated how exercise-induced loading affects the collagen network in the articular cartilage of juvenile horses. They compared two sites within a joint: one subjected to high-inten…
cartilage; collagen fibril; loading; parallelism; orientation - A2009
Communicating About Fascia: History, Pitfalls, and Recommendations
Helene M Langevin, Peter A HuijingIn this commentary, the authors discuss how the word "fascia" can be ambiguous and lead to misunderstandings, as it can refer to anything from loose to dense connective tissue. This lack of precision can hinder communic…
fasciaConnective tissueSubcutaneous tissueterminologyaponeurosis - B2009
From mechanical loading to collagen synthesis, structural changes and function in human tendon
Michael Kjær, H Langberg, K Heinemeier, M L Bayer, Mette Hansen, L Holm, S Doessing, M Kongsgaard, M R Krogsgaard, S P…This review article outlines how tendons adapt to mechanical loading from exercise. The research indicates that loading increases the synthesis and turnover of collagen, the protein that gives tendons their strength. Th…
fibroblastphysical trainingMechanical loadingtendoncollagen synthesis - A2009
Ascorbate and plasma membrane electron transport—Enzymes vs ef!ux
Darius J R Lane, Alfons LawenCells have systems to move electrons across their outer membrane, a process which uses substances like ascorbate (Vitamin C) from inside the cell. Traditionally, this was thought to happen via enzymes that shuttle elect…
Ascorbate Astrocytes Dehydroascorbate Ferricyanide K562 cells Non-transferrin-bound iron Transplasma membrane electron transport Vitamin C - A++2009
Structural Behavior of Highly Concentrated Hyaluronan
Paolo Matteini, Luigi Dei, Emiliano Carretti, Nicola Volpi, Andrea Goti, Roberto PiniResearchers investigated the behavior of highly concentrated hyaluronan (HA) in a physiological saline solution. They found that HA molecules can organize into stable, larger "superstructures." When heated, the fluid's…
hyaluronanHA structure - A2009
Mechanotransduction at a distance: mechanically coupling the extracellular matrix with the nucleus
Ning Wang, Jessica D Tytell, Donald E IngberIn this narrative review, the authors explore how mechanical forces can influence the cell nucleus from a distance. Research has often focused on how external forces are converted into chemical signals at the cell's sur…
fasciaextracellular matrixcytoskeletonmechanotransductioncell nucleus