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Detection of physiological changes in knee cartilage using parametric T2 relaxation maps estimated with a dictionary
José M Coelho1,2, Tiago T Fernandes3, Sandra M Alves4,5,6
1Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Clínica de Imagiologia Diagnóstica E de Intervenção, Porto, Portugal. josemcoelho.radiologia@chporto.min-saude.pt.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|August 23, 2025
Summary
Half-marathon running temporarily reduces knee cartilage hydration, with most areas recovering within a week. T2 mapping aids in monitoring cartilage health and personalizing recovery for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Knee articular cartilage (KAC) health is crucial for athletes.
- Understanding the impact of endurance running on KAC is important for injury prevention and performance.
- T2 mapping is a quantitative MRI technique sensitive to cartilage matrix changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of half-marathon running on KAC health.
- To assess the recovery patterns of KAC after a half-marathon.
- To utilize dictionary-matching T2 mapping for detecting changes in KAC.
Main Methods:
- Eleven healthy, recreational runners (4 female, 7 male) underwent MRI scans.
- T2-weighted Multi-Echo Spin-Echo images were acquired pre-run, post-run, and one week later.
- T2 values were analyzed globally and by knee compartments, considering sex and laterality.
Main Results:
- Half-marathon running caused significant, reversible reductions in KAC T2 values, indicating decreased hydration.
- Most KAC compartments recovered within one week, with some showing overcompensation.
- Sex and compartment-specific differences in recovery were observed, with males showing more efficient recovery in certain areas.
Conclusions:
- Half-marathon running leads to transient changes in knee cartilage hydration.
- T2 mapping is effective for monitoring cartilage integrity and guiding individualized recovery strategies.
- Most athletes demonstrate good KAC recovery within a week post-half-marathon.
