Muscle biopsies
PAD, INTRAMUSCULAR HEMATOMA
All three biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis with individual incisions with ~ 3 cm in between with a 4-mm biopsy needle (Bergström, Stockholm, Sweden) using manual suction. At the beginning of the trial, the skin was shaved, the thigh muscle was inspected and the incision sites for the three biopsies were marked. Before obtaining each biopsy, the area was disinfected and local anesthetic (1% lidocaine) was administered. A ~ 1 cm incision was made before inserting the needle and obtaining the biopsy. An elastic band with a compression pad was used to compress the incision site for 30 min to avoid intramuscular hematoma. Before compression, the incisions were strapped with SteaStrips and covered with waterproof plaster. The muscle specimens were quickly cleansed from any visible blood, fat and connective tissue under a microscope, and then frozen in liquid N