Detection of physiological changes in knee cartilage using parametric T2 relaxation maps estimated with a dictionary method.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate half-marathon running and recovery effects on knee articular cartilage (KAC) health in athletes, using dictionary-matching T₂ maps, to detect changes and recovery patterns in KAC.

Methods

Eleven asymptomatic volunteers (4 females, 7 males; mean age 40 ± 5 years, mean BMI 22.7 ± 1.4 kg/m²) completed a fixed-pace half-marathonwere studied. All were right-knee dominant and engaged in regular running. Sagittal T₂-weighted Multi-Echo Spin-Echo images at 3 T were used to assess T₂ values pre-run, post-run, and one week later for global and compartmental KAC. Recovery programme included low-intensity running, strength training and rest. Repeated measures ANOVA or equivalent non-parametric tests with post-hoc compari

SUBMITTER: Coelho JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12948890 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature