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- A2006
Fibroblast spreading induced by connective tissue stretch involves intracellular redistribution of a- and b-actin
Helene M Langevin, Kirsten N Storch, Marilyn J Cipolla, Sheryl L White, Thomas R Buttolph, Douglas J TaatjesResearchers investigated how fibroblasts, the primary cells in connective tissue, respond to mechanical stretching. In this ex vivo study, they stretched samples of subcutaneous tissue for 30 minutes and observed change…
fasciamechanical stressfibroblastmechanotransductionSubcutaneous tissue - A+++2006
Mechanisms of interstitial flow-induced remodeling of fibroblast-collagen cultures
Chee Ping Ng, Melody A SwartzThis study investigates how the movement of fluid through tissues, known as interstitial flow, influences the organization of connective tissue cells and collagen. Researchers found that slow fluid movement causes colla…
extracellular matrixRemodeling - A2006
Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue
Robert Schleip, Ian L Naylor, Daniel Ursu, Werner Melzer, Adjo Zorn, Hans-Joachim Wilke, Frank Lehmann-Horn, Werner Kli…This paper proposes the hypothesis that connective tissue within muscles, specifically the layer known as the perimysium, can actively contract. This contraction, likely driven by specialized cells called myofibroblasts…
fasciamuscle stiffnessperimysiummyofibroblaststonic muscle - A+++2006
The key to left-right asymmetry
Clifford J TabinThis summary explores how vertebrates establish left-right asymmetry during embryonic development. Research indicates that cilia are essential components in breaking initial symmetry, supported by an asymmetric signalin…
EmbryologySignaling - C2005
An in vivo microanalytical technique for measuring the local biochemical milieu of human skeletal muscle
Jay P Shah, Terry M Phillips, Jerome V Danoff, Lynn H GerberMyofascial pain is common, but the biochemical environment within the muscle tissue is not well understood. This paper describes a new microanalytical technique developed to measure this environment directly in living h…
myofascial trigger points; musculoskeletal pain; microdialysis; soft tissue pain; pressure pain threshold - A2005
Dynamic fibroblast cytoskeletal response to subcutaneous tissue stretch ex vivo and in vivo
H M Langevin, N A Bouffard, G J Badger, J C Iatridis, A K HoweIn this animal study, researchers investigated how fibroblasts, the primary cells in connective tissue, respond to mechanical stretch. By stretching subcutaneous tissue from mice, both in tissue samples (ex vivo) and in…
Connective tissueTensegritymechanotransductionmusculoskeletal manipulationsacupuncture - C2005
Distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) on sensory nerve fibers and adnexal structures in human skin
Sonja Ständer, Martin Schmelz, Dieter Metze, Thomas Luger, Roman RukwiedThis study mapped the precise location of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in human skin. Using immunohistochemical methods, researchers found these receptors in numerous structures, including nerve fibers, mast cells,…
Cannabinoid receptorsCutaneous nerve fibersNociceptionItchHuman skin - A2005
Cell tension, matrix mechanics, and cancer development
Sui Huang, Donald E IngberDoctors can often diagnose cancer by feeling for tissue stiffness, and this study explores how this mechanical property contributes to cancer development. The researchers suggest that the stiff extracellular matrix in t…
extracellular matrixcancercytoskeletonmechanotransduction - A2005
Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics
Robert Schleip, Werner Klingler, F Lehmann-HornFascia is typically viewed as a passive tissue that transmits force from muscles. This paper explores the hypothesis that fascia may also be able to actively contract on its own, similar to smooth muscle. Researchers po…
fasciaConnective tissueMyofascial releaseMyofibroblastproprioception - A2005
Cannabimimetic Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
J M McPartland, A Giuffrida, J King, E Skinner, J Scotter, R E MustyIn this dual-blind, randomized controlled trial, researchers investigated whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) could produce cannabis-like effects. Thirty-one healthy subjects received either OMT or a sham t…
CannabinoidsEndocannabinoidsMyofascial releaseFibromyalgiaMyofascial trigger points - A+2005
Human Bone Collagen Synthesis Is a Rapid, Nutritionally Modulated Process
John A Babraj, Kenneth Smith, Daniel J R Cuthbertson, Peter Rickhuss, James S Dorling, Michael J RennieResearchers developed a new method to directly measure bone collagen synthesis in young, healthy men. Contrary to previous assumptions, the results showed that bone collagen formation is a surprisingly rapid process, ev…
metabolismnutritionmatrix proteinstable-isotope tracerproline - A++2005
Myofibrillar and collagen protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle in young men after maximal shortening and lengthening contractions
Daniel R Moore, Stuart M Phillips, John A Babraj, Kenneth Smith, Michael J RennieThis study compared how two types of maximal muscle contractions affect muscle and collagen repair in young men. Participants performed both shortening (concentric) and lengthening (eccentric) contractions with their le…
eccentric; concentric; resistance exercise; z-band streaming