Abstract
Introduction
. The anatomy trains concept introduced by T. Myers has gained broad acceptance in osteopathy, manual therapy, and rehabilitation, where it serves as a theoretical framework describing the body′s global biomechanical interconnectedness through continuous myofascial chains. Nevertheless, empirical evidence derived from direct anatomical investigation supporting this concept remains scarce.
The aim of the study
: to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of identifying myofascial anatomy trains on cadaveric specimens, to characterize the degree of their structural consistency and topographical reproducibility, and to elucidate the morphological mechanisms underpinning their anatomical realization.
Materials and methods
. The study was conducted on the cadaver of a female donor whose subcutaneous adipose layer was markedly reduced as a consequence of end-stage oncological cachexia, a condition that enabled detailed visualization and clear distinction of connective tissue structures. Anatomical dissection was performed through a stepwise, layer-by-layer separation of tissues, deliberately undertaken without preliminary reference to predefined schematic templates in order to minimize methodological bias. The assessment focused on the anatomical continuity, reproducibility, and laminar organization of the structures involved, as well as on the feasibility of isolating discrete muscular components from the surrounding fascial matrix. Dissection procedures were performed over a three-day period, from November 21 to November 23, 2025.
Results
. The anatomical reproducibility of the superficial myofascial lines was verified; nevertheless, maintaining their structural continuity necessitated the incorporation of adjacent fascial and ligamentous components. Major joints functioned as zones of anatomical switching, determining the variability of the routes. With respect to the deep front line, complete anatomical separation of its muscular constituents from the adjacent visceral structures could not be achieved, as this line was consistently represented as an integrated viscero-fasciomuscular complex.
Conclusion
. The findings of the present study indicate that the anatomy trains concept is only partially confirmed and requires reconsideration — from a linear model toward a network-based one. The clinical and methodological implementation of this model should therefore account for the multilayered architecture of the tissues, the integrative function of articular zones, and the significance of visceral interconnections.