Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license

Authors

1 Ph.D student in Exercise Physiology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Physical Education Faculty, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran.

3 Department of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University, of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Abstract

Background and aim: Current study aim was to examine the effects of wearing surgical and N95 facemasks on response of the physiological and electrocardiography markers include; QRS complex, QT interval, ST depression and P amplitude during exhaustive maximal exercise in middle-aged women.
Methods; In a semi- experimental protocol, 36 healthy volunteers females (mean age and BMI of 30.3 ± 3.9 years and 22.47 ± 3.1 kg/m2, respectively) randomly allocated to three groups of 12 peoples consist to; Max-N95 mask, Max-Surgical mask, and Max-Nomask). Subjects in the aforesaid groups performed a maximal Bruce protocol, while wearing a surgical mask, an N95 mask and without a mask, respectively. Physiological and electrocardiography parameters and time to exhaustion were compared. Data was analyzed to one-way ANOVA at P≤ 0.05 level.
Result: Maximal exercising with N95 mask was associated with a significant decrease in QTc interval levels, as compared to Max-Surgical mask (P<0.05) and Max-Nomask (P<0.027) groups. Although, the intergroup differences increase in heart rate and QRS following Bruce protocol were not differ significantly, very nearly significant level (P value was 0.073 and 0.075, respectively).
Conclusion: In healthy subjects, supervised maximal physical activity, particularly with a surgical mask is feasible, safe, and associated with only minor changes in ECG and physiological parameters, specifically a mild decrease in QTc. Future studies should examine impact of physical activity with various intensities, while using any mask in aged persons and or suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.

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Main Subjects

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