Η mask use for protection from the coronavirus has only a small effect on the ability of healthy people to exercise, even vigorously, according to a new small Italian scientific study. According to the experts, the use of a mask is safe even in gyms, if the trainees who use it do not have a health problem.
The researchers from the University of Milan and of Monzino Cardiology Centre, led by Drs. Elisabetta Salvioni and Massimo Mapelli, who published the study in the European Respiratory Journal, studied 12 volunteers, six men and six women with an average age of 40 years.
Participants were asked to perform three exercise tests on a stationary bike, one without a face mask, the second wearing a surgical mask and the third using a mask with a FFP2 filter. During the tests, participants' breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels and other biomarkers were recorded.
Although the masks made it slightly more difficult to breathe, it was found that the use of any mask had only a small effect. For example, an average reduction of approximately 10% in the ability to perform aerobic exercise was measured. There was no evidence that the mask posed a health risk during exercise, even vigorous exercise.
«Although it is expected that most people will be vaccinated against COVID-19, the new research may have practical implications for everyday life, for example by making it safer to open gyms indoors,» said Dr. Mapelli. «But we should not assume that the same is true for people with heart or lung conditions. More research is needed on this,’ he added.
