Exercise training protocol
The intervention group participated in the exercise
training program which was composed of 24 weeks
(3 days a week) of continuous treadmill running
(grade=0%), at a minimum speed required to achieve
/ maintain 75-85% of predicted maximum heart rate.
The running time was 15 minutes at the first session,
increasing by one minute every 2 sessions up to a
maximum of 30 minutes. Once the running time
reached 30 minutes, it was maintained till the final
session. The speed of running was adjusted according
to target heart rate zone (75-85% HR max). A warm