Effects of FFP2/N95 face mask on low- and high-load resistance exercise performance in recreational weight lifters.

COVID-19 pandemic, has led to several countries adopting the use of masks in public spaces. Mask used during physical exercise it may induce early fatigue. However, despite the results with aerobic exercise, as far as we know, no studies have been carried out on wearing a mask during resistance exercise.This randomized, crossover study verified the acute effect of an FFP2/N95 face mask on moderate- and high-load upper body resistance exercise performance in recreational weight lifters.The FFP2/N95 face mask impacted performance, evaluated with bar velocity, in the high-intensity resistance bench press exercise until movement failure but decreased oxygen saturation and increased rate of perceived effort only in the moderate-intensity exercise.