{"database":"biostudies-literature","file_versions":[],"scores":null,"additional":{"submitter":["Coelho JM"],"funding":["Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia","Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António"],"pagination":["811-824"],"full_dataset_link":["https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12948890"],"repository":["biostudies-literature"],"omics_type":["Unknown"],"volume":["126(2)"],"pubmed_abstract":["<h4>Purpose</h4>To investigate half-marathon running and recovery effects on knee articular cartilage (KAC) health in athletes, using dictionary-matching T<sub>2</sub> maps, to detect changes and recovery patterns in KAC.<h4>Methods</h4>Eleven asymptomatic volunteers (4 females, 7 males; mean age 40 ± 5 years, mean BMI 22.7 ± 1.4 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) completed a fixed-pace half-marathonwere studied. All were right-knee dominant and engaged in regular running. Sagittal T<sub>2</sub>-weighted Multi-Echo Spin-Echo images at 3 T were used to assess T<sub>2</sub> 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 comparisons compared T<sub>2</sub> values over time. Separate analyses were conducted based on laterality, gender and anatomical compartments. Significance was set at < 0.05.<h4>Results</h4>Post-run T<sub>2</sub> values decreased significantly by 0.9 ms (- 2.0%, p < 0.001), with up to 5.3% reductions in medial tibial (MT) and femoral (MF) compartments. Recovery patterns varied by compartment, sex and laterality. Most compartments returned to baseline within one week; the lateral condyle (LatC) showed incomplete recovery (- 4.7%, Proportional Recovery Index (PRI) = - 0,1); the right knee's MT exhibited overcompensation (6.3%, PRI = 2.6). Males showed higher baseline T<sub>2</sub> values and more efficient recovery in the LatC compared to females (PRI = - 0.1 vs. - 0.4).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Half-marathon running induces reversible reductions in KAC hydration, with most compartments recovering or overcompensating within one week. Dictionary-matching T2 mapping offers a robust approach for monitoring cartilage integrity and guiding individualised recovery strategies."],"journal":["European journal of applied physiology"],"pubmed_title":["Detection of physiological changes in knee cartilage using parametric T2 relaxation maps estimated with a dictionary method."],"pmcid":["PMC12948890"],"funding_grant_id":["10.54499/UIDP/50009/2020","2020. 05080.BD","DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0083/2020"],"pubmed_authors":["Coelho JM","Vilaca A","Fernandes TT","Oliveira A","Nogueira L","Alves SM","Nunes RG"],"additional_accession":[]},"is_claimable":false,"name":"Detection of physiological changes in knee cartilage using parametric T2 relaxation maps estimated with a dictionary method.","description":"<h4>Purpose</h4>To investigate half-marathon running and recovery effects on knee articular cartilage (KAC) health in athletes, using dictionary-matching T<sub>2</sub> maps, to detect changes and recovery patterns in KAC.<h4>Methods</h4>Eleven asymptomatic volunteers (4 females, 7 males; mean age 40 ± 5 years, mean BMI 22.7 ± 1.4 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) completed a fixed-pace half-marathonwere studied. All were right-knee dominant and engaged in regular running. Sagittal T<sub>2</sub>-weighted Multi-Echo Spin-Echo images at 3 T were used to assess T<sub>2</sub> 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 comparisons compared T<sub>2</sub> values over time. Separate analyses were conducted based on laterality, gender and anatomical compartments. Significance was set at < 0.05.<h4>Results</h4>Post-run T<sub>2</sub> values decreased significantly by 0.9 ms (- 2.0%, p < 0.001), with up to 5.3% reductions in medial tibial (MT) and femoral (MF) compartments. Recovery patterns varied by compartment, sex and laterality. Most compartments returned to baseline within one week; the lateral condyle (LatC) showed incomplete recovery (- 4.7%, Proportional Recovery Index (PRI) = - 0,1); the right knee's MT exhibited overcompensation (6.3%, PRI = 2.6). Males showed higher baseline T<sub>2</sub> values and more efficient recovery in the LatC compared to females (PRI = - 0.1 vs. - 0.4).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Half-marathon running induces reversible reductions in KAC hydration, with most compartments recovering or overcompensating within one week. Dictionary-matching T2 mapping offers a robust approach for monitoring cartilage integrity and guiding individualised recovery strategies.","dates":{"release":"2026-01-01T00:00:00Z","publication":"2026 Feb","modification":"2026-07-12T03:14:13.353Z","creation":"2026-07-12T03:11:11.167Z"},"accession":"S-EPMC12948890","cross_references":{"pubmed":["40848145"],"doi":["10.1007/s00421-025-05898-9"]}}