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 studiesRelevance of Collagen Piezoelectricity to “Wolff’s Law”: a Critical Review
This narrative review explores how bone adapts to mechanical stress, a principle known as Wolff's Law. For decades, scientists have investigated how bone cells sense this stress to trigger remodeling. An early theory pr…
Cannabinoids inhibit fibrogenesis in diffuse systemic sclerosis fibroblasts
Systemic sclerosis is a disease characterized by excessive fibrosis, or scarring, in tissues. In this laboratory study, researchers investigated the effect of a synthetic cannabinoid on fibroblasts (connective tissue ce…
Protein Crosslinking in Assembly and Remodelling of Extracellular Matrices: The Role of Transglutaminases
This review article discusses a family of enzymes called transglutaminases, which help build and remodel the body's extracellular matrix by crosslinking proteins. One specific enzyme, tissue transglutaminase (tTG), is p…
Oxidative Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Upstream and Downstream Antioxidant Therapeutic Options
This review article explores the connection between oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The authors explain that an imbalance of free radicals, which are normal byproducts o…
Myofascial Force Transmission via Extramuscular Pathways Occurs between Antagonistic Muscles
In this experimental study, researchers investigated whether opposing (antagonistic) muscles act independently or influence each other through their fascial connections. By lengthening a lower leg muscle (extensor digit…
Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model for Deformation of Human Fasciae in Manual Therapy
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate the force required to deform human fascia during manual therapy. The model showed that very large forces, beyond the normal physiological range of a therapist, are…
Mechanotransduction – a field pulling together?
In this 2008 review article, the author discusses mechanotransduction, the process by which cells convert mechanical forces into biochemical signals. Cells are constantly subjected to forces, both from external pressure…
Tissue Stretch Decreases Soluble TGF-β1 and Type-1 Procollagen in Mouse Subcutaneous Connective Tissue: Evidence From Ex Vivo and In Vivo Models
This study on mice investigated how brief, static stretching affects connective tissue healing after an injury. Researchers used two models: tissue samples cultured outside the body (ex vivo) and live mice with minor su…
Collagen fibrillogenesis: fibronectin, integrins, and minor collagens as organizers and nucleators
This 2008 review article explores how collagen fibrils, the main structural components of connective tissue, are formed. While collagen can self-assemble in a test tube, the process in living tissues is carefully manage…
Fibroblast mechanics in three-dimensional collagen matrices
This summary describes the relationship between fibroblasts and collagen, the primary cells and protein of fascia, respectively. Fascia provides mechanical support for the body's tissues, and fibroblasts are responsible…
Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Increases the Self-Defense of Skin Epithelium by Induction of !-Defensin 2 via TLR2 and TLR4
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix, breaks down into smaller fragments (LMW-HA) during injury or inflammation. This study investigated how these fragments affect skin cells. The researcher…
The inflammatory response to cell death
This 2008 review article explores how the body responds when cells die from injury rather than infection. Such cell death triggers an inflammatory response that is essential for host defense and tissue repair. However,…