Wikipedia

Robert Schleip

Robert Schleip is a German psychologist, human biologist and author, renowned for his pioneering research in the field of fascia. His extensive body of work includes numerous scientific papers and books, which have greatly contributed to the understanding of fascia and its role in musculoskeletal health.

Professor / Dr.
Robert Schleip
M.A / PhD
Born
Robert Schleip

1954 (age 69–70)
Göppingen, Germany
Occupations
Awards
Academic background
EducationHeidelberg University (MA, Psychology)
Alma materUniversity of Ulm (PhD, Human Biology
ThesisActive fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics (2005)
Academic work
Discipline
Sub-discipline
Websitehttps://www.somatics.de

He serves as the Director of the Fascia Research Group at both the University of Ulm and the Technical University of Munich. Schleip is also the Founding Director of the Fascia Research Society and holds significant positions such as the Research Director of the European Rolfing Association and Vice President of the Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation.

Education

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In 1978, Schleip became Germany's first certified Rolfer at the Rolf Institute and subsequently in 1983 became a Certified Advanced Rolfer in the field of Structural Integration.[4][5]

Schleip graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Heidelberg in 1980.[6]

From 1984 to 1987 he trained as a Feldenkrais teacher and became a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner in the field of Sensorimotor Facilitation from International Feldenkrais Guild in 1987.[7]

In 2006, he earned his doctorate in human biology with honors from the University of Ulm.[8] For his thesis "Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics"[9], he received the "Vladimir Janda Prize for Musculoskeletal Medicine".[10][11]

In 2023, he was awarded the title of Professor by the Diploma University of Applied Sciences and was appointed to a newly created research professorship in the department for Health & Psychology for the university.[12][13]

Rolfing

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In 1978, Schleip became Germany's first certified Rolfer at the Rolf Institute in Boulder and subsequently in 1983 became a Certified Advanced Rolfer in the field of Structural Integration.[14][15] He's been an active rolfing instructor since 1988 and maintains a part-time private practice in Munich.[16]

He served as a member on the Board of Directors for the European Rolfing Association in Munich from 1995-1999, and on the Ethics committee from 1999-2003, as well as a member of the International Advisory Board of the Rolf Institute in Boulder from 2000-2005.[17][18]

In 2006, he became the Research Director of the European Rolfing Association, a position he still holds today. He also works as Vice President of Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation[19][20]

In 2013, he received the RISI Award for "Excellence in Research" by the Rolf Institute.[21]

Fascia

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In 2007, Schleip along with Dr. Werner Klinger played a leading role in initiating and organizing the first Fascia Research Congress, sponsored by the National Institute of Health and hosted at Harvard Medical School, which marked the breakthrough for modern fascia research.[22]. He has served on the scientific committee for all subsequent congresses (2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2022) and chaired the 2018 and 2022 congresses.[23][24]

The renowned science magazine Science dedicated a two-page appreciative report to this congress and in particular to Schleip titled "Cell Biology Meets Rolfing: From Rolfer to Researcher" referring to Schleip's career shift.[25][26]

He has been a Founding member of the Fascia Research Society since 2011 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. In 2023 he received the special designation of Founding Director.[27][28][29]

Schleip is the Director of the Fascia Research Group, a research collaboration between the University of Ulm (2007-2019) and the Technical University of Munich (2019-Present).[30] Research from the Fascia Research Group has shown that fascia is a dynamic tissue that is responsive to mechanical forces and can impact muscle function, posture, and movement patterns. The project has published numerous scientific papers examining various aspects of fascia, including:

  • The deformation of thoracolumbar fascia during deadlifting and trunk extension.[31]
  • The immediate effects of myofascial release treatment on lumbar microcirculation.[32]
  • The influence of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on hydration content in lumbar myofascial tissues.[33]

Lecturer

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As a lecturer, Schleip gives talks in the fields of physiotherapy, orthopedics and sports science.

  • 2023-Present : Professor, Health & Psychology, Diploma University of Applied Sciences.[34]
  • 2019-Present : Professor, Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopaedics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences) at Technical University of Munich.[35]
  • 2019-Present : Faculty Member, Diploma University of Applied Sciences.[36]
  • 2014-Present : Visiting Professor, Medical Faculty, Institute of Sciences of the Health, Buenos Aires (Instituto Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud).[37]
  • 2005-2013 : Professor, Neurophysiology, University of Ulm.[38]

Author

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  • The Fascia Code: How the genetics of connective tissue influences your health and how you can train according to your type to optimize mobility and fitness (2024) (in German)[39]
    Written by: Robert Schleip, Heike Oellerich, Miriam Wessels.
  • Fascial Fitness: How to Be Vital, Elastic and Dynamic in Everyday Life and Sport (2017)[43]
    Written by: Robert Schleip, Johanna Bayer.
  • Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body: Science and Clinical Applications in Manual and Movement Therapy (2013)[45]
    Written by: Robert Schleip, Peter Huijing, Thomas W. Findley.

Scientific Papers

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Widely considered a leading expert in his field, Schleip has made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of fascia and its role in the human body.

Active fascial contractility

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Active fascial contractility refers to the ability of fascia, a type of connective tissue, to actively change its stiffness and length through cellular contraction. Unlike passive properties, where fascia simply responds to external forces, active contractility suggests that fascia can contract in a manner similar to smooth muscle, thereby playing an active role in musculoskeletal dynamics.

  • Active contractile properties of fascia (2019).[46]
    Written by: Schleip R, Werner Klingler W.
  • Fascia Is Able to Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation (2019).[47]
    Written by: Schleip R, Gabbiani G, Wilke J, Naylor I, Hinz B, Zorn A, Jäger H, Schreiner S, Klingler W.
  • Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue (2006).[48]
    Written by: Schleip R, Naylor IL, Ursu D, Melzer W, Zorn A, Wilke HJ, Lehmann-Horn F, Klingler W.
  • Active fascial contractility: Fascia may be able to contract in a smooth muscle-like manner and thereby influence musculoskeletal dynamics (2005).[49]
    Written by: Schleip R, Klingler W, Lehmann-Horn F.

Biomechanical, sensory, and physiological properties of the body-wide fascia network

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Tissues included encompass aponeuroses, intramuscular connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, septi, and retinaculae, in addition to dense irregular connective tissue sheets ("proper fasciae") such as the nuchal fascia or plantar fascia.

  • The bodywide fascial network as a sensory organ for haptic perception (2014).[50]
    Written by: Schleip R, Mechsner F, Zorn A, Klingler W.
  • Strain hardening of fascia: Static stretching of dense fibrous connective tissues can induce a temporary stiffness increase accompanied by enhanced matrix hydration (2012).[51]
    Written by: Schleip R, Duerselen L, Vleeming A, Naylor IL, Lehmann-Horn F, Zorn A, Jaeger H, Klingler W.
  • Clinical relevance of fascial tissue and dysfunctions (2014).[52]
    Written by: Schleip R, Zorn A, Klingler W.
  • Viscoelastic behavior of human fasciae under extension in manual therapy (2007).[53]
    Written by: Chaudhry H, Huang CV, Schleip R, Ji Z, Bukiet B, Findley T.

New Methods in Connective Tissue Research

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Development of reliable examination techniques to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of connective tissue disorders. These methods aim to provide more accurate assessments of connective tissue health and functionality, leading to better clinical outcomes and advancements in therapeutic strategies.

  • Needle biopsy-derived myofascial tissue samples are sufficient for quantification of myofibroblast density (2018).[54]
    Written by: Schleip R, Wilke J, Schreiner S, Wetterslev M
  • Functional in vitro tension measurements of fascial tissue – a novel modified superfusion approach (2016).[55]
    Written by: Schleip R, Klingler W, Wearing S, Naylor I, Zuegel M, Hoppe K.

Media Appearances

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Robert Schleip has been featured in numerous prominent media outlets, highlighting his significant contributions to the understanding of fascia:

Newspapers and Magazines

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  • New York Times: The article "The Tissue That Connects Our Muscles May Be a Key to Better Health" explores the impact of fascia on overall health and features insights from Schleip.[56]
  • New Scientist: In an article titled "The Long-Overlooked Tissue That Shapes Your Health," Robert Schleip's research on fascia and its role in muscle health was extensively discussed.[57]
  • Der Spiegel: Multiple articles in Der Spiegel discuss the growing interest and research in fascia, frequently referencing Robert Schleip.[58][59][60]

TV Documentaries

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  • ARD (German TV Channel): Robert Schleip's work on fascia has been featured in documentaries aired on October 1, 2010, and April 15, 2020.
  • SWR (German TV Channel): Documentaries aired on October 25, 2021, and September 10, 2020, explored the "fascia boom" and included contributions from Schleip.[61]
  • ARTE (French/German TV Channel): Since 2018, ARTE has aired documentaries on the mysterious world of fascia, featuring Robert Schleip.[62]

These appearances underscore the importance and impact of Robert Schleip's research in the field of fascia, bringing greater awareness to its significance in health and medicine.

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References

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  1. ^ https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Journal_12-13_full.pdf
  2. ^ "2013 and 2014 Massage Therapy Hall of Fame Inductees Named | MASSAGE Magazine". 3 January 2013.
  3. ^ https://idw-online.de/en/news217373
  4. ^ Grimm, David (2007). "From Rolfer to Researcher". Science. 318 (5854): 1235. doi:10.1126/science.318.5854.1235. PMID 18033860.
  5. ^ "Robert Schleip, Ph.D. | European Rolfing Association e.V."
  6. ^ "Faszien: Geheimnisvolle Bänder - W wie Wissen - ARD | das Erste". Archived from the original on 2017-08-24.
  7. ^ "Robert Schleip Feldenkrais Summit • Future Life Now Online".
  8. ^ Grimm, David (2007). "From Rolfer to Researcher". Science. 318 (5854): 1235. doi:10.1126/science.318.5854.1235. PMID 18033860.
  9. ^ 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 (2): 273–277. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2005.03.005. PMID 15922099.
  10. ^ https://idw-online.de/de/news206977
  11. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20140423004100/http://www.somatics.de/JandaPreis_Saeule.pdf
  12. ^ "Robert Schleip, Dr. Biol. Hum., Dipl. Psych".
  13. ^ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertschleip/details/experience/1635544136983/single-media-viewer/?profileId=ACoAAAQf96gBFABoVP9Sp3PgbGjCBfvDe7hjpko
  14. ^ Grimm, David (2007). "From Rolfer to Researcher". Science. 318 (5854): 1235. doi:10.1126/science.318.5854.1235. PMID 18033860.
  15. ^ "Robert Schleip, Ph.D. | European Rolfing Association e.V."
  16. ^ "Faszien: Geheimnisvolle Bänder - W wie Wissen - ARD | das Erste". Archived from the original on 2017-08-24.
  17. ^ "Our Team | European Rolfing Association e.V."
  18. ^ "Board of Directors - Dr. Ida Rolf Institute".
  19. ^ "Clone of Scientific Research | European Rolfing Association e.V."
  20. ^ "Dr. Robert Schleip - NTC - See who you can be!".
  21. ^ https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Journal_12-13_full.pdf
  22. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20150924010546/http://www.fasciaresearch.de/uni-ulm-internFeb08.pdf
  23. ^ "Previous Congresses - Fascia Research Society".
  24. ^ Schleip, Robert; Stecco, Carla; Driscoll, Mark; Huijing, Peter A. (2022). Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body : The Science and Clinical Applications in Manual and Movement Therapy. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-7020-7183-6.
  25. ^ Grimm, David (2007). "Cell Biology Meets Rolfing". Science. 318 (5854): 1234–1235. doi:10.1126/science.318.5854.1234. PMID 18033859.
  26. ^ Grimm, David (2007). "From Rolfer to Researcher". Science. 318 (5854): 1235. doi:10.1126/science.318.5854.1235. PMID 18033860.
  27. ^ "Founding Members - Fascia Research Society".
  28. ^ "Board and Staff - Fascia Research Society".
  29. ^ "ORCID".
  30. ^ "Team".
  31. ^ Brandl, A.; Wilke, J.; Egner, C.; Reer, R.; Schmidt, T.; Schleip, R. (2023). "Thoracolumbar fascia deformation during deadlifting and trunk extension in individuals with and without back pain". Frontiers in Medicine. 10. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1177146. PMC 10278943. PMID 37342497.
  32. ^ Brandl, A.; Egner, C.; Reer, R.; Schmidt, T.; Schleip, R. (2023). "Immediate Effects of Myofascial Release Treatment on Lumbar Microcirculation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial". Journal of Clinical Medicine. 12 (4): 1248. doi:10.3390/jcm12041248. PMC 9959802. PMID 36835784.
  33. ^ Brandl, A.; Egner, C.; Schwarze, M.; Reer, R.; Schmidt, T.; Schleip, R. (2023). "Immediate Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Hydration Content in Lumbar Myofascial Tissues: A Quasi-Experiment". Journal of Clinical Medicine. 12 (3): 1009. doi:10.3390/jcm12031009. PMC 9917932. PMID 36769657.
  34. ^ "ORCID".
  35. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Schleip
  36. ^ "ORCID".
  37. ^ "ORCID".
  38. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Schleip
  39. ^ Der Faszien-Code: Wie die Genetik des Bindegewebes deine Gesundheit beeinflusst und du typgerecht trainierst, um Beweglichkeit und Fitness zu optimieren. Riva Verlag. 18 February 2024. ISBN 978-3-7453-2298-9.
  40. ^ Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body Expert Consult: Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. 8 December 2021. ISBN 978-0-7020-8413-3.
  41. ^ Fascial Fitness, Second Edition: Practical Exercises to Stay Flexible, Active and Pain Free in Just 20 Minutes a Week. North Atlantic Books. 6 July 2021. ISBN 978-1-62317-675-4.
  42. ^ Fascia in Sport and Movement, Second edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 30 March 2021. ISBN 978-1-912085-78-1.
  43. ^ Fascial Fitness: How to be Vital, Elastic and Dynamic in Everyday Life and Sport. Lotus. 2017. ISBN 978-1-905367-71-9.
  44. ^ Fascia in Sport and Movement. Handspring. 2015. ISBN 978-1-909141-07-0.
  45. ^ Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body: The science and clinical applications in manual and movement therapy. Elsevier Health Sciences. 26 February 2013. ISBN 978-0-7020-5228-6.
  46. ^ Schleip, R.; Klingler, W. (2019). "Active contractile properties of fascia". Clinical Anatomy. 32 (7): 891–895. doi:10.1002/ca.23391. PMID 31012158.
  47. ^ Schleip, R.; Gabbiani, G.; Wilke, J.; Naylor, I.; Hinz, B.; Zorn, A.; Jäger, H.; Schreiner, S.; Klingler, W. (2019). "Fascia Is Able to Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation". Frontiers in Physiology. 10: 336. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00336. PMC 6455047. PMID 31001134.
  48. ^ Schleip, R.; Naylor, I.L.; Ursu, D.; Melzer, W.; Zorn, A.; Wilke, H.J.; Lehmann-Horn, F.; Klingler, W. (2006). "Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue". Medical Hypotheses. 66 (1): 66–71. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2005.08.025. PMID 16209907.
  49. ^ 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 (2): 273–277. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2005.03.005. PMID 15922099.
  50. ^ Schleip, R.; Mechsner, F.; Zorn, A.; Klingler, W. (2014). "The bodywide fascial network as a sensory organ for haptic perception". Journal of Motor Behavior. 46 (3): 191–193. doi:10.1080/00222895.2014.880306. PMID 24628059.
  51. ^ Schleip, R.; Duerselen, L.; Vleeming, A.; Naylor, I.L.; Lehmann-Horn, F.; Zorn, A.; Jaeger, H.; Klingler, W. (2012). "Strain hardening of fascia: Static stretching of dense fibrous connective tissues can induce a temporary stiffness increase accompanied by enhanced matrix hydration". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 16 (1): 94–100. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2011.09.003. PMID 22196433.
  52. ^ Schleip, R.; Zorn, A.; Klingler, W. (2014). "Clinical relevance of fascial tissue and dysfunctions". Current Pain and Headache Reports. 18 (8): 439. doi:10.1007/s11916-014-0439-y. PMID 24962403.
  53. ^ Chaudhry, H.; Huang, C.V.; Schleip, R.; Ji, Z.; Bukiet, B.; Findley, T. (2007). "Viscoelastic behavior of human fasciae under extension in manual therapy". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 11 (2): 159–167. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2006.08.012.
  54. ^ Schleip, R.; Wilke, J.; Schreiner, S.; Wetterslev, M.; Klingler, W. (2018). "Needle biopsy-derived myofascial tissue samples are sufficient for quantification of myofibroblast density". Clinical Anatomy. 31 (3): 368–372. doi:10.1002/ca.23040. PMID 29314236.
  55. ^ Schleip, R.; Klingler, W.; Wearing, S.; Naylor, I.; Zuegel, M.; Hoppe, K. (2016). "Functional in vitro tension measurements of fascial tissue – a novel modified superfusion approach". Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions. 16 (3): 256–260. PMC 5114348. PMID 27609040.
  56. ^ Rizzo, Elizabeth (2023-09-11). "The Long-Overlooked Tissue That Shapes Your Health". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  57. ^ "Fascia: The Long-Overlooked Tissue That Shapes Your Health". New Scientist. 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  58. ^ "Faszien: Was ist dran am Hype um die Faszienbehandlung?". Der Spiegel. 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  59. ^ "Von der Rolle". Der Spiegel. 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  60. ^ "Faszien-Training: Nicht über den wohltuenden Schmerz hinaus". Der Spiegel. 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  61. ^ "Was ist dran am Faszienboom?". SWR. 2020-09-10. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  62. ^ "Faszien - Geheimnisvolle Welt unter der Haut". ARTE. 2018. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
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