| Summary: | Purpose: Examine the effects of cloth mask conditions on exercise performance between both
genders in physiological indices such as Lactate Threshold (LT), Oxygen Consumption (VO2),
Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) and Rate of Perceived Exhaustion (RPE). We also
examine the gender differences when exercising with mask conditions. Additionally, we
investigated the appropriate intensity levels when wearing mask.
Methods: 25 active adults comprising ten females (24.3 ± 5.638 years, 160.890 ± 6.757 cm, 52.175
± 5.739kg) and fifteen males (30.6 ± 8.4years, 172.0 ± 4.0 cm, 67.0 ± 5.8kg) were randomly
assigned on CM mask/no mask condition on the 1st trial and the reverse condition on the 2nd trial.
The cloth mask used was a UNIQLO AIRism re-usable cloth mask. They were subjected to a
discontinuous CPET (Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing) protocol.
Results: Mask significantly affected LT (P<0.001), VO2 average (P=0.024) and VO2max (P<0.001).
Gender had a significant effect on LT (P<0.001) and RPE (P<0.001) variables. No significant effect
in mask conditions and gender in all variables, this meant that the effects of mask were similar in
both females and males.
Conclusion: Mask can significantly affect exercise performance, reducing VO2 at LT, VO2max and
VO2 Averages across stages, leading to earlier exercise termination. Low to moderate-intensity
exercise with a cloth mask may be manageable but higher intensities are discouraged. Gender
differences in LT and RPE suggest that untrained females may experience more adverse effects.
Future studies should explore the long-term effects on cloth mask
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