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 studiesViscoelastic Retraction of Single Living Stress Fibers and Its Impact on Cell Shape, Cytoskeletal Organization, and Extracellular Matrix Mechanics
Cells maintain their shape and interact with their surroundings using internal tension cables called stress fibers. Using a microscopic laser to cut individual stress fibers inside living cells, researchers studied how…
Cellular mechanotransduction: putting all the pieces together again
This review discusses how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces, a process called mechanotransduction. While many individual molecules involved in this process have been identified, it is less clear how they work…
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: evaluation with MR arthrography
This study evaluated the usefulness of MR arthrography for diagnosing adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers retrospectively analyzed images from 28 patients, half with the condition and half se…
Dynamic Shear Stimulation of Bovine Cartilage Biosynthesis of Proteoglycan 4
This laboratory study on cartilage from young cows investigated how mechanical forces affect the production of a key lubricating molecule, proteoglycan 4 (PRG4). Researchers applied different types of loads to cartilage…
Hyaluronan fragments: An information-rich system
This narrative review explores the diverse roles of hyaluronan (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix. Despite its simple chemical structure, HA's biological function changes dramatically and often opposition…
Pathophysiological model for chronic low back pain integrating connective tissue and nervous system mechanisms
This paper proposes a theoretical model for how chronic low back pain might develop and persist. The authors hypothesize that fear of pain leads to reduced movement, which in turn causes physical changes and inflammatio…
Low-intensity tensile loading increases intratendinous glucose uptake in the Achilles tendon
Tendons have traditionally been considered to have low metabolic activity, but this study investigated whether light loading could affect this. Six participants performed low-intensity, intermittent calf muscle contract…
Letter to the Editor concerning ‘‘A hypothesis of chronic back pain: ligament subfailure injuries lead to muscle control dysfunction’’ (M. Panjabi)
This letter to the editor comments on a hypothesis that chronic back pain can arise from minor injuries to spinal ligaments, disrupting their sensory function and leading to faulty muscle control. The authors agree with…
Quantum Events of Biophoton Emission Associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies: A Descriptive Pilot Study
This descriptive pilot study investigated biophoton emission (BPE), an ultra-low level of light emitted by living organisms that may reflect overall health status. Researchers measured BPE from the neck and lower back o…
Hyaluronan Fragments Act as an Endogenous Danger Signal by Engaging TLR2
Hyaluronan (HA) is a common component of the body's connective tissue. This study investigates how different sizes of HA molecules affect the immune system. When tissue is injured, large HA molecules are broken down int…
Distribution and change of collagen types I and III and elastin in developing leg muscle in rat
This animal study on rats investigated how the connective tissue components collagen types I and III and elastin develop in leg muscles from birth to eight weeks of age. The results show that muscle connective tissue de…
Migration of tumor cells in 3D matrices is governed by matrix stiffness along with cell-matrix adhesion and proteolysis
This study investigated how tumor cells move in a three-dimensional environment similar to body tissues. Researchers found that in addition to the cell's ability to adhere to and pull on its surroundings, the stiffness…