Exercise study protocols.

<p>The HVT protocol lasted a total of 130% of PPO followed by 120 min at 55% PPO (A). The 4×4 min protocol lasted a total of 45 min and consisted of a 10 min warming up at 50% of PPO followed by four 4 min intervals at 90–95% of PPO separated by 3 min active recovery (10 min recovery after the last bout) at 45% of PPO (B). The 4×30 sec protocol lasted a total of 44,5 min and consisted of a 10 min warming up at 50% of PPO followed by four 30 s all out exercise bouts separated by 7∶30 min active recovery (10 min recovery after the last bout) at 45% of PPO (C). Arrows assign time points for venous blood sampling. Venous blood samples for hormonal analysis were taken before exercise (pre), and four samples were taken at 0 min (0′), 30 min (30′), 60 min (60′) and 180 min (180′) post exercise.