In the orientation sessions, participants were instructed on how to perform the leg press exercise, and to learn testing procedures to obtain appropriate, quality hemodynamic values throughout the experimental sessions. The leg press was performed in an eccentric–concentric fashion using a diagonal sled-type machine (Biotech Fitness, São Paulo, Brazil). Participants were asked to push the reel from the lock to the position in which they had their knees fully extended, and then to start the movement. They were asked to lower the weight in a controlled manner, until reaching 90° of flexion in both hip joints and knees, touching the knees with a rubber band. After reaching this position, participants had to return to the position of full knee extension, performing the repetitions at the maximal intended velocity.