Facemask use during high intensity interval exercise in temperate and hot environments

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surgical mask use during high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on physiological and perceptual responses in hot and temperate environments. Methods: In a randomized fashion, 10 healthy participants completed two HIIE sessions in a 368C hot (HUE-HOT) and two HIIE sessions in a 238C temperate environment (HIIE-TEMP) while wearing (MASK) and not wearing a surgical mask (CON). Results: No differences in physiological variables were found between MASK and CON during HIIE. An increase in perceived dyspnea and average RPE was found comparing MASK and CON. Interaction effects showed the greatest changes in perceived dyspnea and average RPE occurred in the HIIE-HOT/MASK condition. Conclusion: Wearing a surgical mask during HIIE increases the perception of dyspnea and exertion with the greatest effect occurring in hot environments.