Individual performance analysis of maximal and submaximal exercise testing with different face masks

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic brought drastic changes in every domain of life, including Facemask compulsion. Performance testing is universal practice but its approach with facemasks lacks guidelines.

Objective: The research aimed to investigate the effects of different masks on performance during submaximal (6MWT) and maximal test performance (Bruce Treadmill testing).

Methods: In a randomized crossover design (Riphah/RCRS/REC/01087), 66 healthy individuals (mean age 32.64 ± 12.7 years) performed 6MWT and Bruce tests under three conditions: no mask, surgical mask, N95 mask. Performance parameters (6MWD, Bruce time), predicted maximum Oxygen consumption (VO? max), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and hemodynamic responses were measured. Subjective perceptions of discomfort and exhaustion were also recorded.

Results: Submaximal performance showed no significant change in walking distance (p = 0.128, ?p² = 0.032) or VO? max (p = 0.511, ?p² = 0.039). Bruce test duration significantly declined with N95 (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.127) and surgical masks (p = 0.046), with predicted VO? max significantly reduced in the N95 condition (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.130). Post-test SpO? (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.392), breathing rate (p = 0.002, ?p² = 0.195), and RPE (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.317) were significantly affected with mask use. Heart rate and blood pressure remained unchanged (p > 0.05, ?p² ? 0.041).

Conclusion: Mask-associated performance declined during maximal testing, particularly with N95, which significantly reduced test duration and predicted VO? max while submaximal performance remained unaffected. Post-exercise measures were altered in both masked groups, heart rate and blood pressure remained stable.