Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious patients.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients
This pilot study investigated whether supplementing with specific collagen peptides could improve symptoms for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Participants combined a calf-strengthening program with either…
Local Vibration Stimuli Induce Mechanical Stress-Induced Factors and Facilitate Recovery From Immobilization-Induced Oxidative Myofiber Atrophy in Rats
This study on rats investigated whether local vibration could help muscles recover after being immobilized. Researchers put a cast on one hindlimb of the rats for a week to induce muscle atrophy. After removing the cast…
Ketogenic Diet and Microbiota: Friends or Enemies
This narrative review explores the relationship between the very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) and the gut microbiota. The community of microbes in our gut is a dynamic entity known to play a fundamental role…
Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for the Treatment of Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (Cellulite): A Randomized Trial
This randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of an enzyme injection, collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), for treating cellulite. Researchers treated 375 women with moderate to severe…
Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
This meta-analysis of five randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluated the impact of oral collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. The findings suggest that collagen may help reduce the overall disea…
Stiffness and echogenicity: Development of a stiffness-echogenicity matrix for clinical problem solving
Assessing soft tissue stiffness is important for many neuromusculoskeletal conditions, but can be challenging. While ultrasound can measure a tissue's echogenicity (how it reflects sound waves), this is not directly pro…
TMEM2: a missing link in hyaluronan catabolism identified?
Hyaluronan (HA) is a large molecule in our connective tissues that is broken down and replaced very quickly. Scientists have long understood that large HA molecules are first chopped into smaller pieces on the surface o…
Future Aspects for Cannabinoids in Breast Cancer Therapy
This scientific review explores how cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may influence breast cancer beyond their established role in palliative care for pain and nausea. Research suggests that cannabinoids might decelera…
Mitochondrial superoxide anions induced by exogenous oxidative stress determine tumor cell fate: an individual cell-based study
In this cell-based study, researchers investigated how external oxidative stress affects individual lung cancer cells. They found that applying a stressor like hydrogen peroxide caused a rapid increase in reactive oxyge…
Tissue Regeneration from Mechanical Stretching of Cell–Cell Adhesion
This narrative review explores how mechanical stretching can stimulate tissue regeneration and wound healing. Researchers have long known that cells respond to mechanical forces, but much of the focus has been on the co…
Imaging of ultraweak photon emission for evaluating the oxidative stress of human skin
This study explored a method for visualizing oxidative stress in human skin by imaging ultraweak photon emission (UPE), also known as biophotons. Researchers found that exposing skin to UV radiation increased the intens…
A Primitive Trait in Two Breeds of Equus Caballus Revealed by Comparative Anatomy of the Distal Limb
This comparative anatomy study investigated the lower limbs of 574 equids, including 18 horse breeds, donkeys, zebras, and Przewalski's horses. Researchers looked for two specific ligamentous structures that are remnant…
Ultrasound-detected connective tissue involvement in acute muscle injuries in elite athletes and return to play: The French National Institute of Sports (INSEP) study
This study examined 70 elite athletes with acute muscle injuries. Researchers used ultrasound within seven days to assess injury severity and to see if connective tissue was involved. They then tracked the time it took…
A comparative multi-site and whole-body assessment of fascia in the horse and dog: a detailed histological investigation
This animal study compared the microscopic structure of fascia in horses and dogs across multiple body regions. Researchers found that horse fascia is generally tight and dense, while dog fascia is looser and more simil…
An extravascular fluid transport system based on structural framework of fibrous connective tissues in human body
Researchers investigated a potential fluid transport system within the body's fibrous connective tissues, separate from blood and lymphatic vessels. Using fluorescent tracers in cadavers and MRI in volunteers, they visu…
A prophylactic effect of local vibration on quadriceps muscle fatigue in non-athletic males: a randomized controlled trial study
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether local vibration could prevent muscle fatigue. Thirty healthy, non-athletic young men were divided into two groups: one received two minutes of vibration on their qua…
Intravascular heavy chain-modification of hyaluronan during endotoxic shock
In this animal study, researchers investigated why a specific molecule, HC-modified hyaluronan (HC-HA), is critical for survival in systemic inflammation (like endotoxic shock) but less so in localized lung inflammation…
Benefits of adding stretching to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programme in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether adding stretching to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program provided extra benefits for women with fibromyalgia. One group performed moderate aerobic exercise…
Dermatome and Fasciatome
This theoretical paper proposes a new distinction between the body's sensory maps, based on increased knowledge of fascial innervation. The authors define a "dermatome" as the area of skin and superficial fascia supplie…
Myofascial Chains of the Upper Limb: A Systematic Review of Anatomical Studies
This systematic review compiled research to determine if myofascial chains, previously identified in the trunk and lower limbs, also exist in the upper limb. Analyzing 13 anatomical dissection studies, the authors found…
Adhesive capsulitis: MRI correlation with clinical stages and proposal of MRI staging
This study investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings can reflect the clinical stages of adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers analyzed MRIs from 74 patients, looking for sp…
Where is your head? Perception of relative position of the head on a wielded object
This study explored how we perceive our body's position relative to an object we are holding or balancing. Researchers specifically tested this by having participants "wield" an object with their head, a body part not t…
Platelet decoys inhibit thrombosis and prevent metastatic tumor formation in preclinical models
Platelets are crucial for blood clotting but can also contribute to thrombosis and cancer metastasis. In this preclinical study, researchers created modified human platelets, called "platelet decoys," that retained thei…
Biotensegrity or Fascintegrity
In this theoretical review, the authors question the popular "biotensegrity" model for describing the body's mechanics. They argue the model is incomplete because it fails to account for crucial factors like bodily flui…
Modelling Cell Origami via a Tensegrity Model of the Cytoskeleton in Adherent Cells
Researchers created a computer model to better understand "cell origami," a technique where the natural pulling forces of cells are used to fold tiny structures. This model represents the cell's internal framework, or c…
Protein synthesis rates of muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage, and bone tissue in vivo in humans
This study measured protein synthesis rates directly in various human knee joint tissues for the first time. Researchers collected samples from muscle, tendon, ligaments, cartilage, and bone during total knee replacemen…
Structural Gender Dimorphism and the Biomechanics of the Gluteal Subcutaneous Tissue: Implications for the Pathophysiology of Cellulite
This study investigated gender differences in the subcutaneous tissue of the gluteal region to better understand the development of cellulite. Researchers found that men have more and stronger fibrous connections (septa…
8 natural supplements to help fight inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term pain and tissue damage. This article reviews several natural supplements that may help the body manage chr…
Immunofibroblasts are pivotal drivers of tertiary lymphoid structure formation and local pathology
In sites of chronic inflammation or infection, connective tissue cells called fibroblasts can change their behavior. This study shows how a specific group of fibroblasts transforms into a network of so-called "immunofib…
A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study
This randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a drinkable nutraceutical containing 2.5g of collagen peptides, vitamins, and minerals on skin health in women aged 35 and older. Over twelve weeks,…
Role of Hyaluronan in Inflammatory Effects on Human Articular Chondrocytes
Some researchers have proposed that fragments of hyaluronan (HA), a key molecule in connective tissue, can trigger inflammation in cartilage. This study investigated that idea in human articular cartilage cells. Researc…
Cellular nanoscale stiffness patterns governed by intracellular forces
Cell stiffness is important in many biological processes, but its precise relationship to the forces acting inside the cell has been unclear. In this study, researchers developed a new high-resolution imaging platform t…
Existence and features of the myodural bridge in Gallus domesticus: indication of its important physiological function
In this anatomical animal study, researchers investigated the existence of the myodural bridge (MDB) in chickens. The MDB is a dense connective tissue that links muscles in the upper neck to the spinal dura mater. The i…
Suboccipital Myodural Bridges Revisited: Application to Cervicogenic Headaches
This anatomical study investigated the connective tissue structures, known as myodural bridges, in the suboccipital region of 30 human fetuses. Researchers identified two types of these bridges connecting muscles at the…
The myodural bridge complex defined as a new functional structure
The myodural bridge is a known connective tissue link between the deep suboccipital muscles and the spinal cord's outermost covering, the dura mater. In this anatomical study, researchers examined its precise structure…
Anterior capsular abnormality: another important MRI finding for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
This retrospective study investigated whether abnormalities in the shoulder's anterior joint capsule, seen on MRI scans, can help diagnose adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Researchers compared MRIs from 29 patient…
Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle Strength and Power: An Attempt to Clarify Previous Caveats
This narrative review examines how static stretching affects subsequent strength and power. While static stretching was once thought to hinder performance, recent evidence suggests the duration of the stretch is the cri…
The plasma membrane as a mechanochemical transducer
In this review article, researchers describe how the plasma membrane, the cell's outer boundary, acts as a key sensor for mechanical forces. The membrane senses and responds to physical stresses from its environment, su…
Biophysics of Cell-Substrate Interactions Under Shear
In this review article, the authors examine how cells adhere to surfaces and respond to mechanical forces. Cells use complex structures called focal adhesions to sense and react to their environment, including forces fr…
Mechanobiology of cells and cell systems, such as organoids
This review discusses organoids, which are three-dimensional tissues grown in a lab that self-organize to mimic organ development. While organoids offer great potential for disease modeling and drug development, little…
Inter and Intra operator reliability of motor and palpation evaluation in fascial manipulation in individuals coxarthrosis
This study investigated the reliability of assessment methods used in Fascial Manipulation® (FM®) for individuals with hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis). Researchers tested whether different therapists, and the same the…
Effects of Different Vitamin C–Enriched Collagen Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis
This study investigated how three different forms of vitamin C-enriched collagen supplements affected markers of collagen synthesis in ten active men. Participants consumed either gelatin, hydrolyzed collagen, a gummy v…
Rehabilitation and nutrition protocols for optimising return to play from traditional ACL reconstruction in elite rugby union players: A case study
This case report followed two professional rugby players undergoing rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In addition to a standard rehabilitation program, they received specific suppl…
Lymphatic pump manipulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
This narrative review examines the use of lymphatic pump manipulation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by persistent inflammation, and lymphatic techniques aim to red…
A Systematic Review of the Morphology and Function of the Sacrotuberous Ligament
This systematic review examined existing research on the sacrotuberous ligament (STL) to clarify its anatomy and function. The STL is often implicated in conditions like pelvic girdle pain, but its exact role has been d…
Experimental myofascial trigger point creation in rodents
This animal study investigated how myofascial trigger points might form. Researchers treated mice and rats with a substance that increases nerve signals to the muscles, mimicking a state of high neurotransmission. This…
Blocking around the transversalis fascia: behind the scene
This cadaver study investigated the anatomy of the transversalis fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue in the abdominal wall, to understand its role in certain nerve blocks. Through dissection and microscopic analys…
Effects of foam rolling on performance and recovery: A systematic review of the literature to guide practitioners on the use of foam rolling
This systematic review analyzed 49 studies to understand how foam rolling affects athletic performance and recovery. The authors found evidence that foam rolling can decrease muscle stiffness and improve range of motion…
Age-related changes in leg proprioception: implications for postural control
This narrative review examines how aging affects proprioception—the body's sense of its own position and movement—and its implications for balance. To maintain an upright stance, the brain relies on signals from recepto…
The neural basis of the senses of effort, force and heaviness
This narrative review explores how we sense effort, force, and heaviness during muscle contraction. Traditionally, these sensations were thought to originate in the brain from copies of motor commands. However, new evid…
Mechanics and structural stability of the collagen triple helix
This narrative review explores the mechanical properties of collagen, the body's primary structural protein. Collagen's unique triple helix structure is believed to be the source of its stability and resilience in tissu…
Lipedema: A Call to Action!
This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of lipedema, a chronic and progressive disease primarily affecting women. It is characterized by a painful, abnormal distribution of fat in the limbs, which oft…
Role of the immune system in vascular function and blood pressure control induced by faecal microbiota transplantation in rats
This animal study investigated the link between gut bacteria, the immune system, and blood pressure in rats. Researchers transplanted gut microbiota between spontaneously hypertensive rats and rats with normal blood pre…
Genetics of lipedema: new perspectives on genetic research and molecular diagnoses
This 2019 review explored the genetic basis of lipedema. The researchers summarized existing knowledge to highlight the need for a genetic test to aid in diagnosis. They identified several genetic factors that may be re…
Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse
This narrative review summarizes research on how changes in collagen are linked to pelvic organ prolapse in women. Collagen is a critical component of the pelvic floor, providing essential supportive functions. Studies…
Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure
This randomized controlled trial investigated whether intravenous vitamin C could help patients with sepsis and severe acute respiratory failure. Researchers gave 167 patients either a high-dose vitamin C infusion or a…
Vitamin C Can Shorten the Length of Stay in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis reviewed data from 18 controlled trials involving over 2000 patients to assess if vitamin C affects the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The results suggest that vitamin C supplementat…
Hyaluronan fragments produced during tissue injury: A signal amplifying the inflammatory response
This narrative review examines how fragments of hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, contribute to inflammation. During tissue injury, large HA molecules are broken down into smaller pieces. E…
Fascial organisation of motor synergies: a hypothesis
This hypothesis paper explores how fascia helps organize movement through what are known as motor synergies. It suggests that instead of the brain controlling every muscle individually, the fascial system acts as a phys…
Active interfacial dynamic transport of fluid in a network of fibrous connective tissues throughout the whole body
Interstitial fluid, the fluid in the spaces between our cells, has long been thought to move only over short distances. This study proposes a different view, suggesting that a network of fibrous connective tissues acts…