The Impact of Face Masks on Performance and Physiological Outcomes during Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (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 1,573 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 (RPE) (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] mmHg), 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 RegistrationCRD42020224988 Novelty PointsFace masks can be worn during exercise with no impacts on performance and minimal impacts on physiological variables.