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- A2014
Clinical Relevance of Fascial Tissue and Dysfunctions
Werner Klingler, M Velders, K Hoppe, M Pedro, Robert SchleipFascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that supports the entire body. Traditionally seen as a passive structure, recent research shows it plays a more active role. Fascia contains contractile elements that…
fasciaMyofascial painlumbar fasciadysfunction - 1A+2014
The Medium of Haptic Perception: A Tensegrity Hypothesis
Michael T Turvey, Sérgio T FonsecaIn this theoretical paper, the authors propose a new hypothesis for how our sense of touch, or haptic perception, works. Unlike other senses that have a clear medium (like air for sound), the haptic system lacks one. Th…
fasciaConnective tissuecytoskeletonhaptic systemmultifractal tensegrity - A2014
The cervical myodural bridge, a review of literature and clinical implications
Dennis E Enix, Frank Scali, Matthew E PontellThis literature review examines the cervical myodural bridge, a soft tissue connection between deep suboccipital muscles and the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord. This bridge appears to anchor the spinal cord and…
fasciarectus capitis posterior majordura materMyodural Bridgeobliquus capitis inferior - A2014
Specific Sizes of Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Stimulate Fibroblast Migration and Excisional Wound Repair
C Tolg, P Telmer, E TurleyHyaluronan (HA) is a molecule important for wound healing, and its effects appear to depend on its size. In this study using cell cultures and animal models, researchers investigated how specific, small fragments of HA…
fasciahyaluronan molecular sizehyaluronan fragmentswound healing - B2014
Neuroreceptor Activation by Vibration-Assisted Tunneling
Ross D Hoehn, David Nichols, Hartmut Neven, Sabre KaisThis theoretical study used quantum chemical modeling to explore how receptors in the nervous system get activated. The researchers propose a model where a molecule's specific vibrations, like a musical key, may be what…
fasciag-proteinpharmacologyGPCRssilicopotency - A2014
Deformations Experienced in the Human Skin, Adipose Tissue, and Fascia in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Hans Chaudhry, Bruce Bukiet, Zhiming Ji, Antonio Stecco, Thomas W FindleyThis study used a mathematical model to investigate how forces from manual therapy affect the skin, adipose tissue, and fascia. The researchers aimed to understand how much each layer deforms under compression and shear…
fasciaosteopathyManual Therapy - B2014
Mechanisms of Myofascial Pain
M Saleet JafriThis 2014 narrative review discusses the potential causes of myofascial pain. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition involving painful trigger points in muscle, but its precise mechanisms are not well understood…
fasciaMyofascial painMyofascial trigger points - 1A+2014
Peripheral Mechanisms Contributing to Spasticity and Implications for Treatment
Antonio Stecco, Carla Stecco, P RaghavanThis narrative review explores how changes in connective tissue might contribute to spasticity following a central nervous system injury. The authors suggest that the initial injury can alter the turnover of hyaluronic…
fasciaConnective tissueStrokeCerebral palsyHypertonia - A2014
Fascia—Current knowledge and future directions in physiatry: Narrative review
E H Kwong, T W FindleyIn this 2014 narrative review, the authors discuss fascia from the perspective of physiatry, or rehabilitation medicine. They note that while fascia is part of the body's connective tissue, its definition is unclear in…
fasciaHyaluronic acidConnective tissuefibroblastmechanotransduction - A2014
Fat Connected with the Primo Vascular System
Kyoung-Hee Bae, Kwang-Sup SohThis research entry is currently available as a title only, so a detailed summary is not yet possible. The title, "Fat Connected with the Primo Vascular System," suggests an investigation into the relationship between a…
fasciafatadipose tissueprimo vascular system (PVS) - A++2014
New perspective in cell communication: Potential role of ultra-weak photon emission
Ankush Prasad, Claudio Rossi, Stefania Lamponi, Pavel Pospíšil, Alberto FolettiThis 2014 narrative review explores how cells might communicate with each other. Beyond chemical signals and direct contact, the authors discuss evidence for communication via electromagnetic radiation, specifically ult…
fasciabiophotonsUltra-weak photon emissioncellular interactionbiocommunication - A2014
Mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix homeostasis
Jay D Humphrey, Eric R Dufresne, Martin A SchwartzConnective tissues are dynamic, constantly adapting even at rest. Cells within these tissues continually sense mechanical cues from their environment through a process called mechanotransduction. In response, they maint…
fasciaextracellular matrixIntegrinsmechanosensingmechanoregulation