The effect of surgical and N95 mask use during maximal exercise on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses in healthy men

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 1- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 2- PhD in Exercise Physiology, Shahrekord University, Physical Education Teacher of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

Background: The effects of wearing common masks during maximal exercise activities on individuals remain unclear.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of wearing surgical and N-95 masks on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses in healthy men performing a maximal shuttle run test.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy men (age 23.78 ± 2.0) participated in three sessions: without a mask, with a surgical mask, and with an N-95 mask, with a one-week interval between each session. After each test, physiological variables (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and oxygen saturation), perceptual variables (comfort/discomfort and perceived exertion), and performance variables (maximum oxygen consumption and shuttle run test duration) were measured. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to compare differences between the conditions.
Results: Significant differences were observed between the conditions with and without a mask in terms of oxygen saturation (P= 0.043), blood lactate concentration (P= 0.026), and perceived exertion, maximum oxygen consumption, and shuttle run test duration (P= 0.001), with the no-mask condition demonstrating superior outcomes in all variables. The type of mask (surgical or N-95) did not significantly affect the measured variables. Wearing both masks led to an increased sensation of moisture, heat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Conclusion: Wearing masks, especially during intense physical activities, may impair physiological and performance metrics, recommending mask-free outdoor settings when feasible.

Keywords

References

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Sport Sciences and Health Research
Volume 17, Issue 1
January 2025
Pages 97-105

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