Experimental sessions

In a randomized and counterbalanced order, the subjects performed the squat exercise on the Keiser Air-300 Squat Machine under 2 different testing conditions: without ischemia (control condition); with ischemia (ischemic condition) used before exercise and during the rest periods between sets. The research team was blinded. The randomization was performed by a blinded member of the research team who was not involved in the data collection. The person carrying out the measurements did not participate in the data collection. The person performing the statistical analysis was not involved in other stages of the experiment. The order of trials (Ischemia, control) was chosen randomly and in a counterbalanced order using a free online randomization program (randomization.com). During each experimental session, the participant performed 5 sets of the Keiser machine squat at a load of 60% 1 RM with a 5 min rest period between sets. During each set, the participants performed 2 reps, with a maximal tempo of movement^25,26. A Keiser Air-300 Squat Machine was used for the evaluation of peak power output. Measurements were made independently for each repetition. The power output was obtained from the best repetition performed in a particular set. Based on measurements from the familiarization session, the intra-class correlation coefficient for the test–retest reliability for peak power output during the Keiser Air 300 Squat was 0.94. All subjects completed the described experimental protocol that was carefully replicated in subsequent experimental sessions.