2.2. Graded Exercise Test (GXT) and Familiarization
TtE
Peak aerobic power (VODietary intake was controlled for the 3 days prior to the initial GXT via the provision of all food for the participants. Energy requirements for each participant were estimated using the Schofield equation and adjusted for physical activity level, and food intake was tailored to the client’s likes/dislikes such that an energy balanced diet was consumed that met the Australian guide to Healthy Eating (Foodworks, Version 10, Xyris Software, Brisbane, Australia 2019). Diets were designed by a qualified dietitian.A familiarization of the TtE and TT within a week of the GXT was undertaken to ensure exercise intensities estimated from the GXT were appropriate and allowed the participants to become familiar with the exercise tasks to reduce daily test–retest variability between trials. During the familiarization of the SS and TtE, participants cycled at the SS power output determined by the GXT to elicit an intensity of 90% of ventilatory threshold for 10 min to verify that the power output was indeed below the ventilatory threshold. The work rate was then increased to a power output at 50% of the ventilatory threshold and the VOTwo weeks following the familiarization testing, the participants started with either placebo or the 