Exercising with face mask during the pandemic: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

A new respiratory virus known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (2019 novel coronavirus) is causing a respiratory disease epidemic worldwide. Many patients with COVID-19 had mild-to-severe respiratory failure and recovered without medical care. However, this respiratory infection can spread very rapidly by infected droplets when an individual is in close contact with others. A face mask is simple protective equipment that can minimize the transmission of infectious viruses, even though that person is asymptomatic. This study illustrates the benefits and drawbacks of having a face mask during the COVID-19 disease outbreak at athlete's workouts. After critically reviewing the various research papers (most of the research papers published in the year 2020), we considered the social distance to be the alternative for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 droplets. Face masks could be one way to minimize infected droplet entry. In this connection, previous researchers have found that exercise with a face mask requires adaptation time that can improve respiratory muscle strength. The present study recommends that athletes should wear a face mask while training at the open space if there is someone near the athlete.