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 studiesConnective Tissue Fibroblast Response to Acupuncture: Dose- Dependent Effect of Bidirectional Needle Rotation
This study on mouse tissue explored how connective tissue cells respond to back-and-forth rotation of an acupuncture needle. Researchers observed that fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, changed shape by spre…
Hyaluronan in Tissue Injury and Repair
This 2007 review article explores the complex role of hyaluronan (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, in tissue injury and repair. The authors describe how HA's function depends on its size: while the large, n…
Expression of collagen and related growth factors in rat tendon and skeletal muscle in response to specific contraction types
In this animal study, researchers investigated how different types of muscle contractions (concentric, eccentric, and isometric) affect the gene expression of collagen and related growth factors in rats. The results sho…
Myofascial force transmission between antagonistic rat lower limb muscles: Effects of single muscle or muscle group lengthening
In this study on rats, researchers investigated how lengthening muscles on the front of the lower leg affects their neighbors. They observed that stretching one muscle group significantly changed the forces within an ad…
Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals
Acute oxidative stress induced by ischemia-reperfusion or inflammation causes serious damage to tissues, and persistent oxidative stress is accepted as one of the causes of many common diseases including cancer. We show…
Intra-articular injection of a nutritive mixture solution protects articular cartilage from osteoarthritic progression induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection in mature rabbits: a randomized controlled trial
In this animal study, researchers investigated if injecting a simple nutrient solution could protect knee cartilage in rabbits with induced osteoarthritis. The solution, containing glucose, amino acids, and vitamin C, w…
Mechanical Stimulation Increases Collagen Type I and Collagen Type III Gene Expression of Stem Cell–Collagen Sponge Constructs for Patellar Tendon Repair
This laboratory study investigated how mechanical stimulation affects tissue-engineered constructs intended for tendon repair. Researchers used rabbit stem cells grown in collagen sponges. One group of these constructs…
Formation and Function of the Myofibroblast during Tissue Repair
Myofibroblasts are specialized cells that play a key role in wound healing and tissue repair. Formed from fibroblasts, their primary function is to contract, which helps pull the edges of a wound together. While this is…
Connective tissue: A body-wide signaling network?
This paper proposes that loose connective tissue functions as a body-wide communication system, in addition to its structural role. The author hypothesizes that this tissue network is mechanosensitive, meaning it respon…
Mechanisms of Mechanotransduction
This review describes mechanotransduction, the process by which cells sense and respond to physical forces. The researchers explain that nearly all living organisms, from bacteria to humans, are sensitive to mechanical…
Subcutaneous Tissue Fibroblast Cytoskeletal Remodeling Induced by Acupuncture: Evidence for a Mechanotransduction-Based Mechanism
In this mouse tissue study, researchers investigated how rotating an acupuncture needle affects fibroblasts in the connective tissue under the skin. They found that rotation caused the fibroblasts to actively change sha…
A hypothesis of chronic back pain: ligament subfailure injuries lead to muscle control dysfunction
This paper presents a hypothesis for the cause of chronic back and neck pain. The author suggests that minor injuries to spinal ligaments, which may not be severe enough to cause a complete tear, can damage the sensory…