Abstract
Background: The use of face masks is common worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the debate on the advantages and disadvantages of face masks continues. While face masks have been recommended to protect from COVID-19, their potential risks on cardiorespiratory systems in various populations are being investigated. This study aims to examine the impact of face masks on exercise test parameters in professional athletes. Materials and Methods: 25 professional athletes (mean age: 19.6±2.4 years; F/M: 11/14; BMI: 20.2±1.6 kg/m2) were included in the study. They performed an exercise test two times, with and without face masks, 48 hours apart. A comparison of exercise test parameters with and without face masks was made to determine cardiorespiratoryresponses in professional athletes. Results: The participants with and without face masks were statistically similar for the test parameters, excluding final oxygen saturation, test duration (min), and peak heart rate. The participants with face masks had significantly lower scores of final oxygen saturation (p<0.001), test duration (p<0.001), and peak heart rate (p=0.004) compared with the participants without face masks. Conclusion: Our results revealed that the use of face masks during the exercise test is associated with lower scores of oxygen saturation, test duration, and peak heart rate.
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