Stress test
RPE
The graded maximal exercise stress test was administered by a cardiology technician. Electrocardiogram electrodes were used for continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the exercise protocol. Prior to the test participant lay supine for approximately 3 min, after which resting heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Next, the participant was seated in an upright recumbent bike (SCIFIT, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA), that was adjusted to fit the participant. During the stress test, HR and RPE were recorded every minute and BP was recorded every 2 min. Participants were instructed to maintain a cadence between 50 and 80 revolutions per minute (RPM) and that dropping below 50 RPM would terminate the test. The stress test began with a 2-min warm-up at 10 Watts (W) of resistance. Following the warm up, the wattage was increased by 5, 10, or 15 W depending on subjective observation of performance