Statistical analyses
SE
All values were expressed as mean ± standard error (mean ± SE). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. A paired t-test was used to analyze the time recorded by participants during the 40 km time trial. Data for blood and gas samples collected at different time points were analyzed by repeated measure two-way ANOVA (trial × time). If a significant interaction was observed between treatments and time points, we further conducted a simple main effects analysis. In this regard, for post hoc analysis, Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) was used. The α value was set at 