Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare the number of repetitions to volitional failure, the blood lactate concentration, and the perceived exertion to resistance training with and without an airflow-restricting mask. Methods: Eight participants participated in a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study. Participants were assigned to an airflow-restricting mask group (MASK) or a control group (CONT) and completed five sets of chest presses and parallel squats until failure at 75% one-repetition-maximum test (1RM) with 60 s of rest between sets. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), blood lactate concentrations (Lac−), and total repetitions were taken after the training session. Results: MASK total repetitions were lower than those of the CONT, and (Lac−) and MASK RPEs were higher than those of the CONT in both exercises. Conclusions: We conclude that an airflow-restricting mask in combination with resistance training increase perceptions of exertion and decrease muscular performance and lactate concentrations when compared to resistance training without this accessory. This evidence shows that the airflow-restricting mask may change the central nervous system and stop the exercise beforehand to prevent some biological damage.
Highlights
In a common sense, resistance training should be as hard as possible to induce a high level of hypertrophy and muscular endurance
The average value of repetitions for the parallel squats was lower for the mask group (MASK) than for the control group (CONT) (10.48 ± 1.33; coefficient of variation (CV) = 12% and 13.30 ± 1.19; CV = 8%; P = 0.0001)
This result showed that using an airflow-restricting mask could harm muscular performance during a session of resistance exercise when compared with the CONT
Summary
Resistance training should be as hard as possible to induce a high level of hypertrophy and muscular endurance. Athletes (Mixed Martial Arts fighters, cyclists, and runners) have been using an airflow-restricting mask during their training—including resistance exercise—believing that this new method induces hypoxemia and a high metabolic response. Conclusions: We conclude that an airflow-restricting mask in combination with resistance training increase perceptions of exertion and decrease muscular performance and lactate concentrations when compared to resistance training without this accessory. This evidence shows that the airflow-restricting mask may change the central nervous system and stop the exercise beforehand to prevent some biological damage
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