Data were analysed by the SPSS statistical software
(V10.0, SPSS; Chicago, IL). Before further analyses,
the normal distribution of variables was checked by
the Shapiro–Wilk’s test. Variables with abnormal
distributions were log-transformed. The general linear
model (GLM) for repeated measures was used to
test interactions between time and treatment and
changes within time. A paired t-test was used for
further two-tailed comparisons. Variables that did not
reach normal distribution after arithmetic procedures
were analysed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs’
signed ranks test. All data are expressed as
means ± SD. A P-level < 0.05 was considered as statistically
significant.