Effect of Face Masks on Physiological and Perceptual Responses during 30 Minutes of Self-Paced Exercise in Older Community Dwelling Adults.

This study examined the effects of different types of masks (no mask, surgical mask (SM), and N95-mask) on physiological and perceptual responses during 30-min of self-paced cycle ergometer exercise. This study was a prospective randomly assigned experimental design. Outcomes included workload (Watts), oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO 2 ), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and rating of perceived dyspnea (RPD). Volunteers (54-83 years ( n = 19)) completed two familiarization sessions and three testing sessions on an air braked cycle ergometer. No significant difference was found for condition x time for any of the dependent variables. RPE, RPD, and PetCO 2 were significantly higher with an N95-mask vs. no mask (NM) (( p = 0.012), ( p = 0.002), ( p < 0.001)). HR was significantly higher with the SM compared to the NM condition ( p = 0.027) (NM 107.18 ± 9.96) (SM 112.34 ± 10.28), but no significant difference was found when comparing the SM to the N95 condition or when comparing the N95condition to the NM condition. Watts increased across time in each condition ( p = 0.003). Initially RR increased during the first 3 min of exercise ( p < 0.001) with an overall gradual increase noted across time regardless of mask condition ( p < 0.001). SpO 2 significantly decreased across time but remained within normal limits (>95%). No significant difference was found in Watts, RR, or SpO 2 regardless of mask condition. Overall, the N95mask was associated with increased RPE, RPD, and PetCO 2 levels. This suggests trapping of CO 2 inside the mask leading to increased RPE and RPD.