Experimental protocol
RPE
HEART
Prior to participation in the experimental trials participants were familiarized with the laboratory equipment and the test procedures. On the morning of the test participants reported to the Exercise Physiology Laboratory following an 8–10 h fast where measures of body mass (weighting scales; Seca 770 Digital Scales, Seca Ltd, Birmingham, UK), height (stadiometer; Holtain Stadiometer, Holtain Ltd, Cymrych, Wales) and estimated fat percentage using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Bodystat Quadscan 4000, Bodystat Ltd, Isle of Man, UK) were made whilst wearing minimal clothing.Participants were then seated for a 10-min period while a cannula was inserted into an antecubital vein. This was connected to a three-way stopcock for the repeated collection of venous blood at rest and during the exercise test. Saline (2–3 ml) was infused regularly keep the cannula patent. After a 10-min rest period, a venous blood sample (7 ml) was collected into a lithium-heparinised vacutainer. In addition, baseline measures of heart rate (Polar RS800CX), and a 10-min sample of expired air (Jaeger Vyuntus CPX, Erich Jaeger GmbH, CareFusion Hoechbegh, Germany) were also taken. Expired air was collected throughout the duration of the exercise test and measured for volume, the fractional concentration of oxygen (FFollowing collection of resting parameters participants were remained in a semi-reclined position for two hours post ingestion of green tea extract. Then after a 5-min transition period, participants mounted a cycle ergometer (Lode Excalibur Sport Ergometer, Lode BV Groningen, The Netherlands) to perform a graded exercise test. Participants were instructed to cycle between 60 and 70 rpm at an initial power output of 60 Watts (W) with an increase in 30 W every 3 min. Verbal encouragement was provided to the participant throughout. Heart rate was measured constantly throughout the exercise test (Polar RS800CX) alongside respiratory gas measurements. Two and a half minutes into each 3-min stage, a rating of perceived exertion (RPE [