Statistical analyses
SECONDARY
Descriptive statistical analysis using mean and standard deviation was used initially, followed by testing of normality by the Shapiro–Wilk test. Fisher’s exact test, Yates’ chi-squared test and Student’s t-test were used to compare the groups at baseline. Differences within groups (mean and standard deviations) and between groups (mean and 95% CI) were assessed before and after the 12-week intervention period. Generalized estimation equations were used for both analyses, followed by the Bonferroni’s post hoc test. The intention-to-treat analysis was performed with all randomized participants for the primary and secondary outcomes. The per-protocol analysis was performed for the same outcomes with participants who were classified as adherent to exercise programs (adherence ≥ 80%). Finally, the effect size of the differences within and between groups, in intention-to-treat analysis, was interpreted using Cohen's d statistic. An effect size < 0.2 reflects a negligible difference, ≥ 0.2 but < 0.5 a small difference, ≥ 0.5 but < 0.8 a moderate difference, and ≥ 0.8 a large difference [