Knee extensor isometric muscle torque
After a familiarization session on the screening day, unilateral isometric knee-extensor torque was measured using the BIODEX (System 3, Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA) on days 1, 14, 28, and 42. The dynamometer was set to 60° from the resting (90°) position, and participants performed four maximal voluntary isometric leg extensions, lasting 5 seconds for 4 repetitions, 2 min apart. The average of the highest recorded 3 trials was used for maximal strength per visit.