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 studiesDetection of changes in cartilage water content using MRI T2-mapping in vivo
Early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by an elevated water content in cartilage. This study investigated if a specific MRI technique, T2-mapping, could detect these changes in living subjects. Healthy volunte…
Mammalian Hyaluronan Synthases
This 2002 review article describes the three enzymes that produce hyaluronan (HA) in mammals: HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3. These three enzyme isoforms have different characteristics and create different sizes of HA molecules.…
Oligosaccharides of Hyaluronan Activate Dendritic Cells via Toll-like Receptor 4
During inflammation, components of our connective tissue like hyaluronic acid (HA) can break down. This study investigated how small fragments of HA affect the immune system. Researchers found that these fragments activ…
Evidence of Connective Tissue Involvement in Acupuncture
Researchers investigated the "needle grasp" phenomenon in acupuncture, where it becomes harder to pull a needle out after manipulation. They hypothesized this is caused by connective tissue winding around the needle, ra…
Effects of Biomechanical Stress on Bones in Animals
This animal study investigated how bones adapt to mechanical stress. The researchers found that cyclic loading, like in exercise, creates fluid flow within the bone that signals it to adapt. The rate of this loading is…
Hyaluronan and its catabolic products in tissue injury and repair
This narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA), a common component of connective tissue, in the body's response to injury. In healthy tissues, HA exists as a large molecule that helps maintain structural int…
Hyaluronan and Homeostasis: A Balancing Act
As only the title of this paper is available, it has not yet been summarized. The title suggests the article discusses the role of hyaluronan in maintaining homeostasis, the body's state of physiological balance. This i…
Collagen accumulation in muscles of children with cerebral palsy and correlation with severity of spasticity
This study investigated the link between connective tissue and muscle function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Researchers analyzed muscle samples from 26 children, comparing collagen content to clinical measures…
Mechanical signaling through connective tissue: a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture
This paper proposes a hypothesis for how acupuncture might work. The authors focus on the "de qi" sensation, which includes the acupuncturist feeling a "needle grasp" in the tissue. They suggest that when an acupuncture…
Adhesive Capsulitis
In this 2000 review article, the authors examine adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, a condition of unknown cause that restricts shoulder motion. They review what is known about its etiology and critically evaluate…
Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease
This narrative review examines the role of collagen hydrolysate in the management of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Research suggests that a daily intake of 10 grams of pharmaceutical-grade collagen hydrolysate may he…
Effect of Mechanical Load on Articular Cartilage Collagen Structure: A Scanning Electron-Microscopic Study
This study on rabbit knees examined how static mechanical loads affect the collagen structure of articular cartilage. Researchers applied varying levels of force for different durations to simulate muscle activity, then…