Effect of Different Types of Face Masks on the Ventilatory and Cardiovascular Response to Maximal-Intensity Exercise

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The use of facemasks has been part of the non-pharmacological measures for COVID-19 prevention worldwide. However, in many countries their use for sports has not been mandatory due to the additional strain on breathing. It is important to note that the non-use of facemasks in enclosed spaces significantly increases the risk of infection, since breathing and, consequently, the amount of air exhaled during exercise can increase by up to 5 times its value at rest. On the other hand, the choice of mask type could have a major impact on breathing in different types of sports and it is essential to study the different masks available. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare different ways of breathing during exercise using common face masks in young female athletes. Based on our results, the FFP2 mask causes very considerable changes, making breathing difficult, while the Emotion mask has very little impact on the same parameters. ABSTRACT: The development of new models of face masks makes it necessary to compare their impact on exercise. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare the cardiopulmonary response to a maximal incremental test, perceived ventilation, exertion, and comfort using FFP2 or Emotion masks in young female athletes. Thirteen healthy sportswomen (22.08 ± 1.75 years) performed a spirometry, and a graded exercise test on a treadmill, with a JAEGER(®) Vyntus CPX gas analyzer using an ergospirometry mask (ErgoMask) or wearing the FFP2 or the Emotion mask below the ErgoMask, randomized on 3 consecutive days. Also, menstrual cycle status was monitored to avoid possible intrasubject alterations. The results showed lower values for the ErgoMask+FFP2, compared to ErgoMask or ErgoMask+Emotion, in forced vital capacity (3.8 ± 0.2, 4.5 ± 0.2 and 4.1 ± 0.1 l, respectively); forced expiratory volume in 1 s (3.3 ± 0.2, 3.7 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.1 l); ventilation (40.9 ± 1.5, 50.6 ± 1.5 and 46.9 ± 1.2 l/min); breathing frequency (32.7 ± 1.1, 37.4 ± 1.1 and 35.3 ± 1.4 bpm); VE/VO(2) (30.5 ± 0.7, 34.6 ± 0.9 and 33.6 ± 0.7); VE/VCO(2) (32.2 ± 0.6, 36.2 ± 0.9 and 34.4 ± 0.7) and time to exhaustion (492.4 ± 9.7, 521.7 ± 8.6 and 520.1 ± 9.5 s) and higher values in inspiratory time (0.99 ± 0.04, 0.82 ± 0.03 and 0.88 ± 0.03 s). In conclusion, in young healthy female athletes, the Emotion showed better preservation of cardiopulmonary responses than the FFP2.