Effects of Surgical Mask Use on Peak Torque, Total Work and Interset Fatigability During Isokinetic Strength Testing

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmittable person-to-person when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks while within at least 6 feet (1.8 m) of a neighboring individual. Guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that nose and mouth facial coverings are recommended at all levels for source control as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplet transmission. It is important to remember that increased viral shedding occurs during elevated ventilatory rates that are observed during exercise within a shared space, such as gyms or fitness studios increase the rate of transmission. However, there is limited research studying the effects of mask use during exercise, and no research evaluating these effects specifically during resistance-based exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to examine the effects of wearing a surgical face mask while performing resistance exercise on average peak force, total work, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and breathing discomfort.