The use of face masks and the impact on heart rate variability during baseline ECG

We compared electrocardiograms (ECGs) findings with one year difference between each other with and without use of face mask at the moment to be tested. The first ECG was done one year before without face mask, and the second ECG with a mask one year later after 3 months of mandatory use for epidemiological COVID-19 pandemic justifications in healthy youth elite athletes.ResultsRegarding heart rate variability (HRV), an increase in RMSSD was recorded when the test was performed with a mask (M): 108.5 ± 90 ms vs. No mask (NM): 72.9 ± 54.2 ms (p <0.002). And also an increase in SDNN, when the test was done with a M: 86.2 ± 47.2 ms vs. NM: 65.9 ± 43.5 ms (p <0.036).ConclusionsThe results on ECG are consistent with the increasing predominance of parasympathetic regulation, which is responsible for regulation of the autonomic loop when the subject is using face mask. (AU)

Physiological impact of different types of mask at rest

Introduction: Due to the mandatory use of a mask in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, we set out to evaluate the physiological impact of hypoxia and hypercapnia generated by different masks at rest.MethodsThirty-two competitive adolescent athletes (40% female) were evaluated. Room air and intra-mask measurements were taken at rest while sitting in a chair. A spirometric study was performed and the intra-mask concentration of O2 and CO2 was evaluated, comparing 3 situations: a) Home (H): mask that the subject was wearing from home. b) Surgical (S): surgical mask. c) KN95 mask (KN95).ResultsThe ambient air in the laboratory was: O2: 20.9% and CO2: 544 ± 67 ppm (0.05%); Intra-mask O2: H: 17.8 ± 0.72 %; S: 17.08 ± 0.62 %; KN95: 16.8 ± 0.56 %; (H vs S: ns; H vs NK95: p <0.001; S vs KN95: p <0.002). Intra-mask CO2: H: 1.81 ± 0.52 %; S 1.92 ± 0.35 %; KN95: 2.07 ± 0.36%; (H vs S: ns; H vs NK95: p <0.001; S vs KN95: p <0.012). CO2 levels with KN95 were lower in men 1.97 ± 0.37 % vs 2.2 ± 0.29 % than in women (p<0.04), with a significant correlation between gender and weight (r: 0.98, p: 0.01) and height (r: 0.78, p: 0.01).ConclusionsThe KN95 mask presented a lower concentration of O2, and a higher concentration of CO2 compared to the baseline situation with the surgical masks and those home-made. There is a difference in CO2 between the sexes when the KN95 mask was used, in relation to weight and height. (AU)

COVID-19: Analysis of cavitary air inspired through a mask, in competitive adolescent athletes

Introduction: Due to the mandatory use of a mask in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the authorization to do outdoor sports in Catalonia, we set out to evaluate the physiological impact of the hypoxia and hypercapnia generated by the mask during aerobic exercise.Methods46 adolescent competitive athletes (35 women, 11 men) were evaluated. Measurements were taken of ambient air, at rest intra-mask, and during a stress test intra-mask. The concentration of O2 and CO2 intra-mask and the O2 Saturation were evaluated.ResultsThe O2 of ambient air in the laboratory: 20.9%; Basal intra-mask O2: 18.0±0.7% and intra-mask O2 during exercise: 17.4±0.6% (p<0.0001). The CO2 was: 0.05±0.01% environmental; baseline intra-mask: 1.31±0.5%, and during exercise intra-mask: 1.76±0.6% (p<0.0001). Baseline O2 saturation with mask was 98.4±0.6% and immediately after exercise was 97.1±2.8% (p<0.03). During the exercise intra-mask, 30% of the young athletes exceeded 2% of CO2 and 22% breathed oxygen with a concentration lower than 17%.ConclusionsThe use of masks generate hypercapnic hypoxia during exercise. One third of the subjects exceed the CO2 threshold of 2%. (AU)

COVID-19 and mask in sports

INTRODUCTION: Due to the mandatory use of a mask, and the authorization to do outdoor sports in Catalonia, we aimed to assess the physiological impact of the hypercapnia hypoxia generated by the masks during aerobic sports practice. METHODS: Eight subjects (2 women, 6 men) were assessed at baseline with and without a mask, and immediately after a 21-flex test performed following the Ruffier protocol with a mask. Measures of HR (heart rate), concentration of O2 and CO2 inside the mask and SatO2 were assessed. The test was carried out in ambient air in squares in the city of Barcelona. RESULTS: A decrease in O2 was recorded, and when comparing the, baseline 20.9%, baseline mask 18.3%, post-exercise 17.8% (p < 0.001). An increase in CO2 in the three preconditions (464, 14162, 17000ppm; p < 0.001). Basal saturation O2 was 97.6±1.5% and post exercise 92.1±4.12% (p 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The use of masks in athletes causes hypoxic and hypercapnic breathing as evidenced by increased effort during exercise. The use of masks during a short exercise with an intensity around 6-8 METS, decreases O2 by 3.7% and increases the CO2 concentration by 20%

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