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Effects of Face Masks on the Multiple Dimensions and Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Exertional Dyspnea.
Ferguson, Olivia N; Mitchell, Reid A; Schaeffer, Michele R; Ramsook, Andrew H; Dhillon, Satvir S; Dominelli, Paolo B; Molgat-Seon, Yannick; Guenette, Jordan A.
  • Dhillon SS; Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, The University of British Columbia and St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA.
  • Dominelli PB; Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, CANADA.
  • Molgat-Seon Y; Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA.
Med Sci Sports Exerc ; 2022 Oct 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2240660
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, public health officials widely adopted the use of face masks (FM) to minimize infections. Despite consistent evidence that FMs increase dyspnea, no studies have examined the multidimensional components of dyspnea or their underlying physiological mechanisms.

METHODS:

In a randomized cross-over design, sixteen healthy individuals (n = 9 females, 25 ± 3 y) completed incremental cycling tests over three visits, where visits 2 & 3 were randomized to either surgical FM or no mask control. Dyspnea intensity and unpleasantness were assessed throughout exercise (0-10 Borg scale) and the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile was administered immediately following exercise. Crural diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi) and esophageal pressure (Peso) were measured using a catheter to estimate neural respiratory drive and respiratory muscle effort, respectively.

RESULTS:

Dyspnea unpleasantness was significantly greater with the FM at the highest equivalent submaximal work rate achieved by a given participant in both conditions (iso-work) (5.9 ± 1.7 vs. 3.9 ± 2.9 Borg 0-10 units, P = 0.007) and at peak exercise (7.8 ± 2.1 vs. 5.9 ± 3.4 Borg 0-10 units, P = 0.01) with no differences in dyspnea intensity ratings throughout exercise compared to control. There were significant increases in the sensory quality of "smothering/air hunger" (P = 0.01) and the emotional response of "anxiousness" (P = 0.04) in the FM condition. There were significant increases in EMGdi and esophageal pressure at select submaximal work rates, but no differences in heart rate, pulse oximetry derived arterial oxygen saturation or breathing frequency throughout exercise with FMs compared to control. FM significantly reduced peak work rate and exercise duration (both P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:

FMs negatively impact the affective domain of dyspnea and increase neural respiratory drive and respiratory muscle effort during exercise, although the impact on other cardiorespiratory responses are minimal.

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article