The impact of face masks on performance and physiological outcomes during exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Appl Physiol Nutr Metab
; 46(7): 693-703, 2021 Jul.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1269054
Preprint
This scientific journal article is probably based on a previously available preprint. It has been identified through a machine matching algorithm, human confirmation is still pending.
See preprint
This scientific journal article is probably based on a previously available preprint. It has been identified through a machine matching algorithm, human confirmation is still pending.
See preprint
ABSTRACT
Face masks are promoted for preventing spread of viruses; however, wearing a mask during exercise might increase CO2 rebreathing, decrease arterial oxygenation, and decrease exercise performance. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on the impact of wearing a mask during exercise. Data sources included SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Medline. Eligibility criteria included all study designs comparing surgical, N95, or cloth masks to a no mask condition during any type of exercise where exercise performance and/or physiological parameters were evaluated. Healthy and clinical participants were included. Mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled effects assessed. Twenty-two studies involving 1573 participants (620 females, 953 males) were included. Surgical, or N95 masks did not impact exercise performance (SMD -0.05 [-0.16, 0.07] and -0.16 [-0.54, 0.22], respectively) but increased ratings of perceived exertion (SMD 0.33 [0.09, 0.58] and 0.61 [0.23, 0.99]) and dyspnea (SMD 0.6 [0.3, 0.9] for all masks). End-tidal CO2 (MD 3.3 [1.0, 5.6] and 3.7 [3.0, 4.4] mm Hg), and heart rate (MD 2 [0,4] beats/min with N95 masks) slightly increased. Face masks can be worn during exercise with no influences on performance and minimal impacts on physiological variables. PROSPERO registration CRD42020224988. Novelty Face masks can be worn during exercise with no impacts on performance and minimal impacts on physiological variables.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Exercise
/
Physical Functional Performance
/
N95 Respirators
/
COVID-19
/
Masks
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Appl Physiol Nutr Metab
Journal subject:
Nutritional Sciences
/
Physiology
/
Sports Medicine
/
Metabolism
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Apnm-2021-0143
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