University of Tehran Sport Sciences and Health Research 2981-0205 17 2 2025 07 01 Physiological and Perceptual Effects of Face Masks in Children: A Study on Exercise Intensity and Mask Types 89 101 106053 10.22059/sshr.2025.389090.1181 EN Akram Jafari Department of physical education and sport sciences, shahrekord branch, islamic azad university, shahrekord, iran Laleh Salim Department of physical education and sport sciences, shahrekord branch, islamic azad university, shahrekord, iran Journal Article 2025 01 20 Face masks are crucial for preventing respiratory diseases; however, limited research has examined their specific effects on children’s exercise performance, particularly in terms of physiological and perceptual responses at different exercise intensities. Aim: This study examines the effects of N-95 and surgical masks on children’s physiological and perceptual responses during exercise at varying intensities. Martials and Methods: Twenty healthy children (age, 11.23 ± 0.59 years) performed in three 6-minute phases of a treadmill protocol at 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximal oxygen uptake, while wearing an N-95 mask, a surgical mask, or no mask. Physiological measurements (heart rate, blood lactate, oxygen saturation) and perceptual measurements (rate of perceived exertion, discomfort) were assessed. Results: HR, PRE, and BLa increased with intensity (p ≥ 0.001), with N-95 masks showing the highest HR and BLa compared to surgical masks and no masks at high intensity. SpO2 decreased significantly with N-95 masks at moderate (p=0.018) and high intensities (p=0.008). Discomfort, especially in breath resistance and fatigue, was greater with N-95 masks. Conclusion: Face masks, particularly N-95, significantly increase cardiovascular and metabolic demands during exercise, especially at higher intensities. Balancing respiratory protection with comfort is essential for safe exercise in children during public health crises

https://sshr.ut.ac.ir/article_106053_b28e268496327ccd54d5f56e39f964ae.pdf