2.3. Randomization and Masking
A serial study identification number (ID) was assigned by study staff to each participant who agreed to participate in the study, who had given written informed consent, and who fulfilled the inclusion and no exclusion criteria. The randomization list was electronically generated, and each ID was randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into one of the two parallel groups by a trial statistician. The trial statistician has no access to the list of IDs assigned to the names. The treating physicians and the outcome assessor were blinded for group assignment. For the participants and coaches, there was no blinding of assignment.