Abstract:
BACKGROUND :
Mask-wearing caused significant reductions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. We aimed to determine whether face mask-wearing during exercise caused reductions in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and whether it affected secondary physiological measures [end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), expired breath temperature (EBT)]. Subjective measurements included ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), ratings of perceived breathlessness (RPB), and symptomology.
METHODS :
A randomised cross-over trial examined no mask (NM), surgical mask (SM) and a buff mask (BM). Thirty participants (30–45 years) cycled at 60% power output for 30 min in three exercise sessions, 24 h apart, within 6 days. Each session recorded all measures at resting baseline (T0), 9 min (T1), 18 min (T2), and 27 min (T3). Dependent statistical tests determined significant differences between masks and time-points.
RESULTS :
SpO2 decreased for SM and BM between T0 compared to T1, T2 and T3 (all P<0.005). BM caused significant reductions at T1 and T2 compared to NM (P<0.001 and P=0.018). Significant changes in EtCO2 and EBT occurred throughout exercise and between exercise stages for all mask conditions (P<0.001). As expected for moderate intensity exercise, RR and HR were significantly higher during exercise compared to T0 (P<0.001). RPB significantly increased for each condition at each time point (P<0.001). RPE was not significant between mask conditions at any exercise stage.
CONCLUSIONS :
SM and BM caused a mild but sustained reduction in SpO2 at commencement of exercise, which did not worsen throughout short (<30 min) moderate intensity exercise. Level of perception was similar, suggesting healthy people can wear masks during moderate exercise and activities of daily living.
Description:
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 1 : TABLE 1 CONSORT checklist of information to include when reporting randomised crossover trials
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 2 : Research proposal.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 3 : Data Sharing Statement.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 4 : TABLE S1. Participant’s physical activity and sports involvement at
the start of the study. TABLE S2. Physiological responses between exercise stages. TABLE S3. Physiological responses to exercise between T0 (baseline) vs. T1, T2, and T3. TABLE S4. Physiological responses to exercise between mask conditions.
