Fascia Research

Fascia research is an interdisciplinary focus within the Professorship of Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopaedics. Within the FASCIA RESEARCH PROJECT, the Technical University of Munich, Professorship of Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopaedics, cooperates with the non-profit Association for the Promotion of Fascia Research and other international research groups.

The initiative aims to investigate the biomechanical, sensory and physiological properties of the body-wide fascial network from an evidence-based perspective. In addition to dense connective-tissue layers with an irregular architecture, referred to as “proper fascia”, the tissues studied include aponeuroses, tendons, ligaments, joint and organ capsules, septa, retinacula and intramuscular connective tissue. The research combines basic, methodological and clinical questions with the aim of developing new measurement methods and translating findings into prevention, non-operative treatment, rehabilitation and applications in sports science.
 

1. Current Research Topics 

• Biomechanical, sensory and physiological properties of the fascial system
• Myofascial physiology and pathology, including fibrotic processes
• Responses of human fascia to manual treatment, active and passive stretching, myofascial self-treatment and foam rolling
• Fascial gliding, tissue deformation and tissue stiffness
• Function of the thoracolumbar fascia during movement and loading
• Biomechanical interactions between fascial tissues of the foot and structures of the leg and hip
• Fascial perspectives in running analysis and footwear development
• Relevance of fascial structures to back pain, movement, athletic performance and rehabilitation
• Development and optimization of non-operative fascia-oriented treatment approaches
• Development and validation of quantitative measurement methods for fascia research
   

2. Methods and Measurement Techniques

Depending on the research question, experimental, biomechanical and clinical methods are used:

• B-mode ultrasound to visualize fascial structures and quantify deformation and gliding
• Shear-wave elastography to investigate mechanical tissue properties
• Myotonometry and other mechanical measurement methods to determine tissue stiffness and elasticity
• Assessment of the thoracolumbar fascia and plantar soft tissues
• Biomechanical movement analysis and functional testing
• Controlled clinical intervention studies on manual treatment, stretching, movement and self-treatment
• Measurement of local tissue responses, including microcirculation and hydration
• Phantom models to assess the validity, reliability and comparability of measurement devices
• AI- and robotics-assisted standardization of ultrasound measurements
   

3. Research Network

The research activities are brought together within the FASCIA RESEARCH PROJECT. The network combines expertise in fascia biology, myofascial physiology and pathology, ultrasound diagnostics, biomechanics, movement science and clinical research. Cooperation with national and international partners enables the investigation of basic research questions, the development of new measurement methods and translation into non-operative applications.
 

4. Current Projects

• Movements and gestures in daily body and facial care

  A collaborative project with CHANEL investigating the impact of movements and gestures associated with a daily cosmetic body and facial care routine on fascia or skin and well-being. The study examines self-application of skin care cosmetics with movement routines including manual and classical stretching. Working title: “Impact of movements and gestures related to a daily body & face cosmetic routine on fascia (skin) and well-being – self-application gestures and products.”

• AI- and robotics-assisted ultrasound system

  Development of an AI- and robotics-assisted ultrasound system to objectify shear-wave elastography measurements of the musculoskeletal system. The aim is to achieve more standardized acquisition and evaluation of mechanical tissue properties.

• Measurement devices for biomechanical properties of connective tissue

  Development of measurement devices for the quantitative assessment of biomechanical parameters of connective tissue. The focus is on objective parameters that can be used in experimental and clinical research.

• Validation of measurement devices using phantom models

  Assessment of the reliability, validity and comparability of devices for measuring tissue stiffness using multilayer phantom models. These models enable investigations under controlled and reproducible conditions.
   

5.Researchers and Areas of Focus

6. Selected Recent Publications in Fascia Research

The following selection represents recent methodological, biomechanical and clinical studies involving members of the professorship:

• Schleip, R.; Seifert, S.; Egner, C.; Brandl, A.; Overmann, L. (2026). Immediate effects of a yoga-based static stretching sequence on thoracolumbar fascia shear mobility and lumbar range of motion. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 48, 269–275. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.06.009
• Çevik Saldıran, T.; Schleip, R.; Bartsch, K.; Bauermeister, W.; Pohl, T.; Horstmann, T. (2025). Validation and reliability of mechanical stiffness assessment tools in multilayered polyurethane phantom models of healthy and diabetic plantar soft tissues. Scientific Reports, 15, 34118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-21084-5
• Brandl, A.; van Amstel, R.; Schleip, R. (2025). Ground truth and demographic data for ultrasound assessment of thoracolumbar fascia deformation and shearing. Scientific Data, 12, 1403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05701-6
• Brandl, A.; Schleip, R. (2025). The in vitro and vivo validation of a new ultrasound method to quantify thoracolumbar fascia deformation. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(5), 1736. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051736
• Gabriel, A.; Ridge, S. T.; Birth, M.; Horstmann, T.; Pohl, T.; Konrad, A. (2024) Local and non-local effects (on the posterior chain) of four weeks of foot exercises: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71585-y
   

7. Key Publications from the Team

Editorial selection of publications involving Prof. Dr. Robert Schleip and/or Prof. Dr. Werner Klingler that cover the foundations, definitions, interventions and measurement methodology of fascia research:

• Schleip R. (2003). Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 7,11–19. DOI: https://10.1016/S1360-8592(02)000670 Zitationen: 999 (Google Scholar)
• Willard FH, Vleeming A, Schuenke MD, Danneels L, Schleip R. (2012). The thoracolumbar fascia: anatomy, function and clinical considerations. Journal of Anatomy. 221, 507–536. DOI: https://10.1111/j.1469-7580.2012.01511.x  Zitationen: 975 (Google Scholar)
• Schleip R, Jäger H, Klingler W. (2012).  What is 'fascia'? A review of different nomenclatures. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 16, 496–502. DOI: https://10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.08.001  Zitationen: 401 (Google Scholar) ·
• Schleip R, Müller DG. 2013. Training principles for fascial connective tissues: Scientific foundation and suggested practical applications. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 17, 103–115. DOI: https://10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.06.007 Zitationen: 401 (Google Scholar)
• Schleip R, Klingler W, Lehmann-Horn F. (2005). Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics.  Medical Hypotheses. 65, 273–277. DOI: https://10.1016/j.mehy.2005.03.005  Zitationen: 399 (Google Scholar) 
   

8. Science Communication and Knowledge Transfer

The findings of fascia research make an important contribution to the advancement of preventive, conservative, and rehabilitative approaches for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. A central objective of our work is therefore to translate scientific findings into clinical practice as well as into training and prevention strategies in sport.

To promote scientific exchange and knowledge transfer, we regularly organize conferences and continuing education events. A key example is the international congress CONNECT – Connective Tissue in Sports Medicine, which we have hosted on multiple occasions. The scientific program brings together leading international researchers to discuss current developments in fascia and connective tissue research. The clinical program focuses on the practical translation of emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for use in medicine, rehabilitation, and sport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2grnfRB1v8
 

9. Contact for Academic Research Projects 

Are you interested in a thesis, doctoral project or postdoctoral research project in fascia research? Please send a brief enquiry including your academic background, area of interest, the intended type of research project and the planned timeframe to:

Contact

Prof. Dr. Robert Schleip
r.schleip@tum.de

Please note: Specific topics and supervision opportunities depend on ongoing research projects and available supervision capacity.
 

Hinweis: Konkrete Themen und Betreuungsmöglichkeiten richten sich nach den laufenden Forschungsprojekten und den verfügbaren Betreuungskapazitäten.