As parametric data assumptions were met
(Shapiro-Wilks test, P4 0.05), mixed-design
(trial 6time) factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA)
was used to compare PImax, RPE, and
dyspnoea between groups. One-way repeated-measures
ANOVA was used to compare distances
covered. Where appropriate, post-hoc analyses for
PImax, RPE, and dyspnoea via one-way repeatedmeasure
ANOVAs per condition per trial were
used to assess within-trial differences. MannWhitney
U-tests were used to compare groups
per time point per trial. Where significant differences
were identified, effect sizes were calculated
using Cohen’s d (the pooled standard deviation
was used). Accordingly, an effect size of 0.2 was
deemed small, 0.5 medium, and 0.8 or above large
(Cohen, 1988). The coefficient of determination
was also calculated where appropriate. Pearson’s
correlation coefficient was used to assess the
relationship (expressed as percentage change from
Trial 1) between PImax and distance covered,
dyspnoea and distance covered, and RPE and
distance covered.