Impact of Different Face Masks on Maximal and Submaximal Performance Testing During COVID-19

Summary

In COVID 19, masks wearability has become a new normal and this "new normal" presented evidence-based performance limitations. The study findings are aimed to objectify parametric changes (if any) and therefore, will assist in making future decisions for testing programs with minimum limitation and maximum protection in this pandemic.

Conditions

• Healthy Volunteers

Interventions

OTHER

No Mask

Participants fulfilling inclusion exclusion criteria will be asked to sign informed consent. Sealed envelope randomization method would determine order of testing (Group A; No mask, Group B; Surgical mask, Group C; N95 mask). For 6MWT, participants will be asked to walk on 30-meter unimpeded walkway as much as possible \& distance at end is recorded along with number of stops during test. For Bruce Protocol, participants will follow standard stage succession with an abrupt increase in speed \& inclination by end of each 3-minute cycle. The participants will be advised to perform test till exhaustion and level achieved will be recorded. The analyzed data will then be used to calculate VO2max and MET scores. Heart rate, SPO2, respiratory rate will be recorded at baseline, after 2 minutes and at test completion. BP will be recorded at baseline and at completion of test, while perceived discomfort scale \& post-exercise exhaustion scale will be assessed upon completion of exercise testing.

OTHER

Surgical Mask

Participants fulfilling inclusion exclusion criteria will be asked to sign informed consent. Sealed envelope randomization method would determine order of testing (Group A; No mask, Group B; Surgical mask, Group C; N95 mask). For 6MWT, participants will be asked to walk on 30-meter unimpeded walkway as much as possible \& distance at end is recorded along with number of stops during test. For Bruce Protocol, participants will follow standard stage succession with an abrupt increase in speed \& inclination by end of each 3-minute cycle. The participants will be advised to perform test till exhaustion and level achieved will be recorded. The analyzed data will then be used to calculate VO2max and MET scores. Heart rate, SPO2, respiratory rate will be recorded at baseline, after 2 minutes and at test completion. BP will be recorded at baseline and at completion of test, while perceived discomfort scale \& post-exercise exhaustion scale will be assessed upon completion of exercise testing.

OTHER

N95 Mask

Participants fulfilling inclusion exclusion criteria will be asked to sign informed consent. Sealed envelope randomization method would determine order of testing (Group A; No mask, Group B; Surgical mask, Group C; N95 mask). For 6MWT, participants will be asked to walk on 30-meter unimpeded walkway as much as possible \& distance at end is recorded along with number of stops during test. For Bruce Protocol, participants will follow standard stage succession with an abrupt increase in speed \& inclination by end of each 3-minute cycle. The participants will be advised to perform test till exhaustion and level achieved will be recorded. The analyzed data will then be used to calculate VO2max and MET scores. Heart rate, SPO2, respiratory rate will be recorded at baseline, after 2 minutes and at test completion. BP will be recorded at baseline and at completion of test, while perceived discomfort scale \& post-exercise exhaustion scale will be assessed upon completion of exercise testing.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Suman Sheraz, PhD* · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-12-27

Primary Completion

2022-08-01

Completion

2022-09-15

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations