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.
- A++2020
The Structure and Role of Intramuscular Connective Tissue in Muscle Function
Peter P PurslowThis narrative review analyzes the microscopic structure of intramuscular connective tissue—endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium—and its role in muscle function. Rather than acting simply as a container, this connectiv…
extracellular matrixMusclecollagenmechanotransductionperimysium - A++2019
Rehabilitation and nutrition protocols for optimising return to play from traditional ACL reconstruction in elite rugby union players: A case study
Gregory Shaw, Ben Serpell, Keith BaarThis 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…
collagenRehabilitationnutritionACL - A2019
Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications
Franchesca D Choi, Calvin T Sung, Margit L W Juhasz, Natasha Atanaskova MesinkovskThis systematic review examined eleven clinical trials investigating the impact of oral collagen supplements on skin health. The findings suggest that collagen hydrolysates and peptides may improve skin elasticity, hydr…
wound healingcollagenskin aging - A++2019
Mechanics and structural stability of the collagen triple helix
Michael W H Kirkness, Kathrin Lehmann, Nancy R FordeThis 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…
collagentriple helix - A+2019
Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse
Runqi Gong, Zhijun XiaThis 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…
extracellular matrixcollagenBiomechanicsPelvic organ prolapseSignaling pathways - A++2019
Effects of season long participation on ACL volume in female intercollegiate soccer athletes
Karen M Myrick, Andreas Voss, Richard S Feinn, Thomas Martin, Bernadette M Mele, Juan C GarbalosaThis study investigated how a competitive season affects the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in female collegiate soccer players. Researchers used MRI scans to measure ACL volume in 17 athletes before and after their s…
collagenAnterior cruciate ligamentintense physical trainingvolumetric changes in ligamentpre- to post season changes in ligament - A+++2018
Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability
Patrick Dressler, Dominic Gehring, Denise Zdzieblik, Steffen Oesser, Albert Gollhofer, Daniel KönigThis randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of specific collagen peptides on athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Fifty athletes received either a daily collagen supplement or a placebo f…
collagennutritionAnkle sprainligaments - A+++2018
Effects of Plantar Vibration on Bone and Deep Fascia in a Rat Hindlimb Unloading Model of Disuse
Yunfei Huang, Yubo Fan, Michele Salanova, Xiao Yang, Lianwen Sun, Dieter BlottnerThis animal study investigated how disuse affects deep fascia and bone, and whether vibration could counteract these effects. Researchers used a rat model where hindlimbs were unloaded for 21 days to simulate disuse, wh…
extracellular matrixcollagenBonedeep fasciaBiomechanics - B2017
Mechanical properties of a collagen fibril under simulated degradation
David C Malaspinaa, Igal Szleifera, Yasin DhaheraThis study used computer simulations to investigate how collagen fibrils lose their strength. Researchers modeled three different types of degradation: the removal of cross-links, surface damage, and damage throughout t…
collagenMolecular dynamicsDegradationMMP - B2016
Stretch-induced network reconfiguration of collagen fibres in the human facet capsular ligament
Sijia Zhang, Danielle S Bassett, Beth A WinkelsteinThe facet capsular ligament in the neck is a common source of chronic pain, often resulting from excessive stretching. This study investigated how the collagen fibers within this ligament reorganize when it is stretched…
collagenfibre realignmentfacet capsular ligamentcommunity detectiontime-dependent network - B2016
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the main extracellular matrix (ECM) enzymes in collagen degradation, as a target for anticancer drugs
Agata Jabłońska-Trypuć, Marzena Matejczyk, Stanisław RosochackiThis review article describes matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the primary enzymes responsible for breaking down collagen in the extracellular matrix. This breakdown process is normal and necessary for tissue remodelin…
cancercollagenAngiogenesisapoptosismetalloproteinase - A+2015
Osmotic pressure induced tensile forces in tendon collagen
Admir Masic, Luca Bertinetti, Roman Schuetz, Shu-Wei Chang, Till Hartmut Metzger, Markus J Buehler, Peter FratzlResearchers investigated the role of water in tendon collagen using a combination of experiments and computer modeling. They found that water is a crucial part of the collagen molecule's structure. When water is removed…
collagenOsmotic pressurewater