Statistical Analysis
stroke
STROKE
Baseline subgroup cohort characteristics were tested for normality by visual inspection of histograms and normal quantile-quantile plots. Continuous variables are presented as mean (standard deviation) when the data were normally distributed and median (interquartile range) when the data were non-normally distributed. Frequencies are presented as The main effects of the trial were analyzed by fitting general linear models with 16-week follow-up Subgroups (term- and preterm-born) were defined by splitting the gestational age variable from the minimization procedure (gestation: <32, 32–37, or ⩾37 weeks’ gestation) into two levels: ⩾37 and <37 weeks’ gestation. The subgroup analysis was then performed by fitting additional linear models, including an interaction term between treatment allocation (exercise, control) and gestational age category (⩾37 or <37 weeks’ gestation) to test whether the intervention effects would vary significantly across subgroups. Hence, for adjusted Complete case analyses were performed throughout. Model assumptions were tested and confirmed by plotting residuals versus fitted values. The results for preterm and term groups are presented as adjusted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI). An α level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. No adjustments were done for multiple testing. The cardiac index and stroke volume index (SVI) at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and peak exercise intensity (CI