we used a non-parametric test which is recommended in cases of small samples.[22] The basic descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) were calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to reveal overall intergroup differences (between the E and
E+D groups), and measurements showing significant differences were further analyzed for differences between individual groups by the Mann-Whitney U test (baseline
vs. detraining, and 3rd year vs. detraining).