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EFFECTS OF DIFFERING TYPES OF PROTECTIVE FACE MASKS ON VO2MAX IN TRAINED ATHLETES: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Segimoto, E., Mahmood, A., Valdez, A.

Willamette University, Salem, OR

INTRODUCTION. This study aimed to look at the physiological effects of wearing masks during high intensity exercise by measuring VO2max. METHODS. By using a repeated measures single factor design, seven collegiate athletes (mean age = 20.7) recruited for this study had their VO2max measured via the Parvo Medic TrueOne 2400. Each participant performed the graded exercise protocol under three separate conditions: surgical mask, Under Armour mask, and no mask. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine any significant differences between VO2max values of the three tested conditions. RESULTS. No statistical difference was found between any of the conditions when measuring VO2max (p = 0.27) (Table 1). A Post-Hoc comparison showed no statistical difference between the control and surgical mask condition (p = 0.143), control and Under Armour condition (p = 0.848), and surgical mask and Under Armour condition (p = 0.195) (Table 2). DISCUSSION. Healthy individuals do not have an altered VO2max, nor ventilatory depth when wearing a face mask. However, subjects reported difficulty in breathing during intense exercise, predominantly in the surgical mask condition. Multiple trials of the same conditions with a wider variety of participants is necessary for replicating and confirming the results presented in the current study.

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