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Acute Effects of Facial Coverings on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in College-Aged Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Ryan T. Conners

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Paul N. Whitehead

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Thomas Skarp

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Briana Waller

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Mark Richard

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Carrington Bain

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Megan Monks

    (Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA)

  • Mark A. Faghy

    (School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK)

Abstract

The use of facial coverings has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to minimize the spread of disease. However, facial coverings may impede ventilation during high-intensity activity, leading to a reduction in cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the acute impact of different facial coverings on exercise performance in college-aged individuals during a 300-yard shuttle. It was hypothesized that the lowest heart rate (HR), completion time (CT), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) would occur with no mask. Furthermore, it was hypothesized the SHEMA97 mask would have lower HR, CT, and RPE compared to surgical and fabric masks. Results showed the use of the fabric mask resulted in significantly higher HR compared to no mask ( p = 0.006). The SHEMA97 mask resulted in faster CT and lower RPE compared to both the fabric and surgical masks ( p < 0.001). All mask conditions yielded significantly higher levels of perceived discomfort than wearing no mask ( p < 0.05). While the use of facial coverings can help prevent the spread of disease, their use during exercise may pose limitations to performance; however, the ability of the SHEMA97 to provide minimal changes to CT and RPE provides a promising option.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan T. Conners & Paul N. Whitehead & Thomas Skarp & Briana Waller & Mark Richard & Carrington Bain & Megan Monks & Mark A. Faghy, 2022. "Acute Effects of Facial Coverings on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in College-Aged Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10500-:d:895543
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Keely Shaw & Scotty Butcher & Jongbum Ko & Gordon A. Zello & Philip D. Chilibeck, 2020. "Wearing of Cloth or Disposable Surgical Face Masks has no Effect on Vigorous Exercise Performance in Healthy Individuals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-9, November.
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