Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studies- A++2014
The role of collagen crosslinks in ageing and diabetes - the good, the bad, and the ugly
Jess G Snedeker, Alfonso GautieriThis narrative review explores how glucose in the body can bind to proteins like collagen, a process called glycation. This process creates crosslinks that can change the mechanical properties and function of connective…
collagenCrosslinksageingadvanced glycation endproductstendon mechanics - A2013
Molecular assembly and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix: A fibrous protein perspective
Lisa D Muiznieks, Fred W KeeleyThis review article examines the extracellular matrix (ECM), the dynamic network of molecules surrounding our cells. The authors focus on fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin, which form the structural backbone of…
fasciaextracellular matrixcollageneastinself-assembly - A+2012
The effect of menopause on the skin and other connective tissues
J Calleja-Agius, M BrincatThis narrative review examines how menopause and the resulting decline in estrogen affect the body's connective tissues, particularly the skin. Research suggests that skin collagen levels drop significantly following me…
collagenageingskin tissuemenopauseoestrogen - A2011
The extracellular matrix: an active or passive player in fibrosis?
T N Wight, S Potter-PerigoFibrosis, the excessive buildup of scar tissue, can be understood as a wound healing process that has gone awry. Normally, specialized cells called myofibroblasts help repair tissue and then disappear, but in fibrosis,…
fasciaprovisional extracellular matrixmyofibroblatcollagenhyaluronan proteoglycans - B2011
Fascia Research from a Clinician/Scientist’s Perspective
Thomas W FindleyIn this perspective piece, a clinician-scientist summarizes exciting areas in fascia research. The article describes the fascial network as a body-wide system that connects individual cells and shares loads with muscles…
fasciaTensegritycollagenfibroblastconference - A2011
Exercise training reduces fibrosis and matrix metalloproteinase dysregulation in the aging rat heart
Hyo-Bum Kwak, Jong-hee Kim, Kumar Joshi, Alvin Yeh, Daniel A Martinez, John M LawlerIn this animal study, researchers investigated how exercise affects age-related fibrosis (scarring) in the rat heart. They found that aging was associated with an increase in collagen and a dysregulation of enzymes call…
collagenRemodelingTIMP-1 - C2010
A new lock-step mechanism of matrix remodelling based on subcellular contractile events
Lysianne Follonier Castella, Lara Buscemi, Charles Godbout, Jean-Jacques Meister, Boris HinzMyofibroblasts are cells that contribute to tissue contracture in fibrotic conditions like scarring. This study investigated how these cells contract to remodel tissue. The researchers identified two separate contractio…
fibrosiscollagenMyofibroblastCalcium oscillationsRho kinase - A2010
3D reconstruction of the crural and thoracolumbar fasciae
L Benetazzo, A Bizzego, R De Caro, G Frigo, D Guidolin, Carla SteccoResearchers created detailed 3D computer models to visualize the structure of the crural fascia in the lower leg and the superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia in the lower back. They found the crural fascia is c…
Connective tissuecollagenThoracolumbar fasciacrural fascia3D models - B2010
Mechanical Strain Stabilizes Reconstituted Collagen Fibrils against Enzymatic Degradation by Mammalian Collagenase Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8)
Brendan P Flynn, Amit P Bhole, Nima Saeidi, Melody Liles, Charles A DiMarzio, Jeffrey W RubertiThis laboratory study investigated how mechanical tension affects collagen's resistance to breakdown. Researchers created small networks of type I collagen fibers, gently stretching some while leaving others unloaded. B…
collagenstrainCollagenase