These tiny molecules in the blood might help doctors tell how badly a runner’s muscles are damaged after an ultra-race—better than current tests.
Scientific Claim
Circulating muscle-specific microRNAs may be useful biomarkers for estimating the degree of exercise-induced muscle damage in elite ultramarathon runners.
Original Statement
“Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may be useful to approach the degree of EIMD. ... MyomiR levels may be useful to approach the degree of muscle damage.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim uses 'may be useful'—a conservative, non-causal phrase that matches the observational design and avoids overstatement. It reflects the authors’ own wording.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Unknown Title
Scientists found that certain tiny molecules in the blood, called myomiRs, go up a lot after an ultra-marathon and match up well with how sore and weak the runners’ muscles are—better than older tests like CK or myoglobin.