The Effect of Surgical Mask Use in Anaerobic Running Performance

José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera,Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz,Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez,Alvaro Bustamante-Sánchez

doi:10.3390/app11146555

José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146555

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Abstract

COVID-19 restrictions stipulate the mandatory use of surgical masks during outdoor and indoor physical activities. The impact of this on athletic performance and especially on anaerobic physical activities is poorly known. The aim of the present research was to analyze the effect of surgical mask use on the anaerobic running performance of athletes. Modifications in running time, blood lactate, blood glucose, blood oxygen saturation, subjective perceived stress, rating of perceived exertion, and heart rate variability were measured in 50 m and 400 m maximal running tests with and without the use of surgical masks in 72 athletes. The use of a surgical mask increased blood lactate concentration, sympathetic autonomic modulation, perceived exertion, perceived stress, and decreased blood oxygen saturation in 50 and 400 m running tests. Thus, the higher levels of blood lactate and lower blood oxygen saturation require adaptation of the athlete’s rest and recovery periods to the acute workload. The higher level of sympathetic activation makes the acute and chronic control of autonomic modulation essential for an efficient training periodization. Finally, the use of acid buffers such as bicarbonate or sodium citrate would be a recommended ergogenic strategy.

Highlights

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the rapid spread and contagiousness of which has led to the COVID-19 pandemic [1]
We proposed the present research with the aim of analyzing the effect of surgical mask use on the anaerobic running performance of athletes
There was a significant effect of surgical masks on glucose and blood lactate levels

Summary

Introduction

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the rapid spread and contagiousness of which has led to the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. Restrictive and limiting measures were taken in public spaces, such as the mandatory use of face masks This policy was extended to sports practice due to the impossibility of maintaining social distance, and while exercising either outdoors and indoors due to increased respiratory volume and greater risk of contagiousness [2]. Authors relate that one of the populations that could suffer more from the consequences and restrictions of COVID-19 are athletes, especially professional ones [3]. Their daily routines are in conflict with the limitations and restrictions, which could be a cause of loss of performance and adaptations, limiting the acquisition of new abilities and performance improvements [4].

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