Does mask use during activity affect the hemodynamic response?

Abstract

Purpose: The use of face masks during physical activity is increasingly attracting interest regarding their potential impact on cardiovascular and respiratory responses. This growing interest reflects the need to clarify how face masks might influence physiological responses during exercise. This study aimed to investigate the impact of mask use on hemodynamic responses during exercise. Material and Methods: This cross-over clinical study included healthy young individuals aged 18-25 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either a Mask Group, who wore masks during treadmill exercise at 60% of their maximum heart rate, or a Non-mask Group, who exercised without masks. Following the first exercise session, a wash-out period was provided before participants crossed over to the alternate group. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and perceived breathlessness (measured using the Modified Borg Scale) were recorded before and after each exercise session. Results: A total of 52 participants completed the study. Statistically significant changes in hemodynamic parameters were observed from pre-to post-exercise within both groups (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the Mask Group and the Non-mask Group (p>0.05). Conclusion: In healthy young individuals, physical exercise led to increases in heart rate, blood pressure, dyspnea, and fatigue, as well as a decrease in oxygen saturation. Notably, wearing a mask during exercise did not result in significant differences in hemodynamic responses compared to exercising without a mask. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings in similar populations.