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 studiesFibroblast spreading induced by connective tissue stretch involves intracellular redistribution of a- and b-actin
Researchers 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…
Mechanisms of interstitial flow-induced remodeling of fibroblast-collagen cultures
This 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…
Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue
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…
The key to left-right asymmetry
This 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…
An in vivo microanalytical technique for measuring the local biochemical milieu of human skeletal muscle
Myofascial 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…
Dynamic fibroblast cytoskeletal response to subcutaneous tissue stretch ex vivo and in vivo
In 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…
Distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) on sensory nerve fibers and adnexal structures in human skin
This 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,…
Cell tension, matrix mechanics, and cancer development
Doctors 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…
Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics
Fascia 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…
Cannabimimetic Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
In 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…
Human Bone Collagen Synthesis Is a Rapid, Nutritionally Modulated Process
Researchers 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…
Myofibrillar and collagen protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle in young men after maximal shortening and lengthening contractions
This 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…