Functional evaluation
Quadriceps femoris muscle
Functional and aerobic capacity were assessed by ECG-monitored, incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (without oxygen supply) using Jaeger Hardware, analyzed with the JLAB Software on a stationary cycle ergometer (Ergoline Ergoselect 200) (Quadriceps femoris muscle strength was contemporaneously assessed by a standardized 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) strength test of knee extension with Proxomed® compass weight lifting machines. The 10-RM refers to the weight with which the patient was able to perform no more than 10 repetitions.