Sample Size Calculation and Statistical Analysis
Given the physiologic design of the study, consistent with previous investigations with similar design on the topic,Continuous data are expressed as median [interquartile range], and dichotomous variables are displayed as frequencies (%). Paired comparisons between study steps were performed with the Wilcoxon rank sum test: mean differences (95% CI] are displayed for most significant results. Intraindividual variability was rated with the coefficient of variability (ratio of the SD to the meanDifferences between repeated variables were assessed with repeated ANOVA.Results with a two-tailed 