SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT (.docx)
SDC 2 (Figure). Systematic Appraisal of Quality for Observational Research (SAQOR) (adapted from existing quality assessment tools (1))
1) The athlete sample: /4
- The sample is representative of the population from which it was drawn.
O Yes O No
- The source of the sample is clearly stated.
O Yes O No
- Entry criteria is clearly stated.
O Yes O No
- The sample size is appropriate to determine statistical significance for FMD (power calculation is reported).
O Yes O No
2) The control group: /4
- The control group is easily identifiable.
O Yes O No
- The control group is age- and sex-matched.
O Yes O No
- The control group is untrained (stated in the manuscript).
O Yes O No
- Statistical differences between athletes and controls in anthropometrical variables (e.g., height, weight) are reported.
O Yes O No
3) Quality of microvascular function assessment: /3 - Vascular conductance is reported.
O Yes O No
- Percentage increase in perfusion over baseline and/or peak/basal ratio is presented.
O Yes O No
- Reproducibility measures are reported (i.e. coefficient of variation).
O Yes O No
4) Confounding variables: /3
- Specific medications were excluded.
O Yes O No
1
- Existing CVD was excluded.
O Yes O No
- Smokers were excluded.
O Yes O No 5) Data: /2
-Explanation for missing data is given.
O Yes O No
-Data are clearly and accurately presented (i.e. mean±SD/SE/CI, exact P values cited).
O Yes O No
Study Quality /16
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