Abstract
Simple SummaryThe use of facemasks has been part of the non-pharmacological measures for COVID-19 prevention worldwide. However, in many countries their use for sports has not been mandatory due to the additional strain on breathing. It is important to note that the non-use of facemasks in enclosed spaces significantly increases the risk of infection, since breathing and, consequently, the amount of air exhaled during exercise can increase by up to 5 times its value at rest. On the other hand, the choice of mask type could have a major impact on breathing in different types of sports and it is essential to study the different masks available. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare different ways of breathing during exercise using common face masks in young female athletes. Based on our results, the FFP2 mask causes very considerable changes, making breathing difficult, while the Emotion mask has very little impact on the same parameters.The development of new models of face masks makes it necessary to compare their impact on exercise. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare the cardiopulmonary response to a maximal incremental test, perceived ventilation, exertion, and comfort using FFP2 or Emotion masks in young female athletes. Thirteen healthy sportswomen (22.08 ± 1.75 years) performed a spirometry, and a graded exercise test on a treadmill, with a JAEGER® Vyntus CPX gas analyzer using an ergospirometry mask (ErgoMask) or wearing the FFP2 or the Emotion mask below the ErgoMask, randomized on 3 consecutive days. Also, menstrual cycle status was monitored to avoid possible intrasubject alterations. The results showed lower values for the ErgoMask+FFP2, compared to ErgoMask or ErgoMask+Emotion, in forced vital capacity (3.8 ± 0.2, 4.5 ± 0.2 and 4.1 ± 0.1 l, respectively); forced expiratory volume in 1 s (3.3 ± 0.2, 3.7 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.1 l); ventilation (40.9 ± 1.5, 50.6 ± 1.5 and 46.9 ± 1.2 l/min); breathing frequency (32.7 ± 1.1, 37.4 ± 1.1 and 35.3 ± 1.4 bpm); VE/VO2 (30.5 ± 0.7, 34.6 ± 0.9 and 33.6 ± 0.7); VE/VCO2 (32.2 ± 0.6, 36.2 ± 0.9 and 34.4 ± 0.7) and time to exhaustion (492.4 ± 9.7, 521.7 ± 8.6 and 520.1 ± 9.5 s) and higher values in inspiratory time (0.99 ± 0.04, 0.82 ± 0.03 and 0.88 ± 0.03 s). In conclusion, in young healthy female athletes, the Emotion showed better preservation of cardiopulmonary responses than the FFP2.
Highlights
Due to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11March 2020, all health policies worldwide were forced to implement non-pharmacological interventions, such as social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of face masks, to reduce the transmission of the virus [1]
The recommendation to wear a face mask affects millions of people, even to the athletic population during sports practice in fitness facilities, as recent evidence reports they contribute to reducing virus spread, when the pulmonary ventilation substantially increases [2]
Some authors suggest that the use of a face mask can increase carbon dioxide rebreathing, causing hypercapnic hypoxia and, a decrease in tissue oxygenation, as well as increasing the resistance to inspiration and respiration, increasing the work of breathing [3,4,5], other authors suggest that it has minimal impact on physiological function during exercise [6,7] or even no impact on exercise [8,9], generating controversy when using the face mask during exercise, by comparing a wide range of face masks
Summary
Due to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11March 2020, all health policies worldwide were forced to implement non-pharmacological interventions, such as social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of face masks, to reduce the transmission of the virus [1]. Some studies compared pulmonary and cardiovascular capacity, at maximal load, using SM and FFP2/N95 in healthy adults [14,15,16], showing that there is a significant reduction in performance (Pmax and VO2 max) with FFP2/N95, whereas that reduction, present, is not that consistent with SM. According to these studies, medical masks have a marked negative impact on cardiopulmonary capacity that significantly impairs strenuous physical and work activities. Participants report feeling, at high exercise intensities, respiratory resistance, heat, shortness of breath, claustrophobia and general discomfort [4,17,18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
