Physiological Effects of Using Surgical and N95 Facial Mask in Exercise in the Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of using different masks on respiratory parameters such as maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and running distance. Twenty men aged 18-22 who exercised regularly four days a week participated in the study. The participants VO2max values with the astrand test, respiratory parameters with the spirometer, SpO2 with the oximeter, and running distances with the 20m shuttle run test were determined three times on different days, without mask, with the surgical mask and with the N95 mask. In repeated measurements, Friedman Test was used to determine the difference between the measurements. After the exercises, it was determined that the VO2max values, respiratory parameters, and SpO2 measurements without mask were statistically significantly higher than the measurements with N95 masks. It was also determined that the running distance decreased after the use of surgical masks and N95 masks while N95 masks caused a higher decrease. Masks should not be used in exercises performed outdoors and in places with little contact, gymnasium, etc. In closed areas, it may be recommended to use surgical masks. Considering the changes in all the parameters measured, it is not appropriate to exercise with N95 masks.