THE USE OF A FACE MASK BREATHING VALVE DURING EXERCISE TESTING IN CHILDREN69

Abstract

The measurement of gas exchange during exercise testing is routinely performed using a mouthpiece and nose clip. Face masks reduce some of the discomforts associated with the mouthpiece and nose clip, but may be problematic due to leaks. The use of a sealant positioned between the skin and the mask may alleviate this problem. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare VO2 and VE during submaximal and maximal treadmill exercise in children (n = 19; Mean ± SD age, 10.5 ± 1.6 yrs) wearing a face mask and sealant (FM) versus a mouthpiece and nose clip (MP). Each child completed an orientation session and 2 graded exercise tests. The exercise test protocol consisted of walking 3.0 mi·hr-1 for 4 min, running 5.0 mi·hr-1 for 4 min followed by 2.5% increases in elevation every minute until maximal effort was achieved. VO2(ml·kg-1·min-1) and VE(l·min-1) at the end of each submaximal stage and at maximal exercise were compared between trials using one-way ANOVA and reliability correlations. At 3.0 mi·hr-1 VO2 was 17.2 ± 2.8 using MP and 16.8 ± 3.1 using FM (P > 0.05; r = 0.82), while VE was 13.2 ± 1.6 using MP and 13.6 ± 2.3 using FM (P> 0.05; r = 0.62). At 5.0 mi·hr-1 VO2 was 36.7± 3.9 using MP and 36.2 ± 3.9 using FM (P > 0.05; r = 0.92). At this same speed VE was 33.4 ± 5.0 using MP and 34.3 ± 5.7 using FM (P > 0.05; r = 0.82). At maximal exercise VO2 was 50.1± 5.4 using MP and 49.6 ± 5.7 using FM (P > 0.05; r = 0.95), while VE was 54.4 ± 12.1 using MP and 55.8 ± 11.1 using FM (P > 0.05; r = 0.91). In conclusion, the use of a face mask and sealant during exercise testing in this age group was more preferred, and produced comparable results to those obtained using a mouthpiece and nose clip.