Abstract
Objective
To explore the application value of quantitative magnetic resonance multi-parameter imaging technology, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) combined with T2 mapping, in evaluating the effects of rest and different intensities of running on the recovery of thigh muscle microdamage after a Half Marathon (HM).
Methods
Twenty-four amateur marathon runners were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups to compare different post-marathon recovery strategies: the High-Intensity Running (HIR) group, the Moderate-Intensity Running (MIR) group, and the Rest (REST) group. MR scans were performed on the participants before the race (pre-run) and at 3 h (post-3 h), 24 h (post-24 h), 48 h (post-48 h), and 72 h (post-72 h) after the race. The Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), and T2 relaxation time (T2 value) of the thigh muscle groups were measured.
Results
Compared with pre-run, all groups showed significantly decreased FA (p
Description
This study evaluates recovery strategies for thigh muscle microdamage in marathon runners.