Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40124601›Full record

ArticlePeerJ2025

Quantitative MRI reveals infrapatellar fat pad changes after running a marathon.

Xiang Bo Zhao, Haifeng Zhao, Wen Juan Du, Hao Zhang

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PeerJ, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Xiang Bo Zhao *The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Haifeng Zhao *The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Wen Juan DuThe First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Hao ZhangThe First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Marathon running, while offering health benefits, is associated with a high incidence of knee injuries. The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) plays a critical role in knee joint homeostasis and injury mitigation. This study investigated IFP adaptations to the acute stress of marathon running using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Fourteen amateur marathon runners (12 male, two female) were prospectively enrolled and underwent 3.0T MRI (GE SIGNA Architect) one week before and after the marathon. Left knee imaging included MAGiC and IDEAL-IQ sequences. MAGiC sequences provide T1, T2, and proton density (PD) maps. IDEAL-IQ sequences yield fat fraction (FF), representing the relative amount of fat within the IFP, and the transverse relaxation rate (R2*) within the IFP. IFP volume and maximum cross-sectional area were quantified. Two experienced radiologists independently analyzed the images using dedicated software. Inter-observer reliability for quantitative MRI measurements was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-marathon measurements of T1, T2, FF, R2* values, IFP volume and maximum cross-sectional area. Pearson correlation analysis explored relationships between changes in IFP parameter changes and participant characteristics. Results: Post-marathon, IFP FF significantly increased ( Conclusions: This study provides novel evidence of robust IFP adaptation to marathon running, characterized by increased FF and potential fluid shifts, suggesting enhanced cushioning and load dissipation. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual biomechanics in understanding IFP function and injury susceptibility. Future research should clarify the clinical implications of these adaptations for runner injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Indexed as

Adipose TissueKnee JointMagnetic Resonance ImagingMarathon RunningRunningAdultFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedProspective StudiesInfrapatellar fat padMAGiCMagnetic resonance imagingMarathon runningSports medicine

Identifiers

PMID40124601
PMCPMC11930216

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.