Although it is not mandatory to wear the mask due to Covid-19 when playing sports, some prefer to use it as a precaution and feel safer if you do physical exercise in crowded places. Doubts then arise about whether it is advisable or counterproductive to wear a mask when running or cycling from a medical point of view.
In fact, among some fans of high-intensity sports, there is the belief that it can even improve physical performance since the mask forces you to exercise more your breathing capacity. But does that have any scientific basis?
From the medical point of view, the studies carried out so far by sports medicine using the mask while performing intense physical exercise conclude that in no case is breathing obstructed. Therefore, its use is not dangerous, and it does not cause oxygen starvation.
The Studies
It ideally allows the diffusion of gases. From a medical point of view, the mask has no problems, and it ideally allows the diffusion of gases; no mask alters the diffusion of oxygen or carbon dioxide (CO 2)
All the tests carried out so far, published internationally, show that there is no alteration in breathing with the mask. All the international studies prove it, and it is necessary to reassure whoever wants to use the mask to play sports, there is no medical problem.
The differences observed in a test of effort made with six runners, with and without the mask, were “between 0% and 2% in partial saturation of oxygen; and between 3% and 9% in the frequency heart “, as published in a medical study commissioned 42K running. “In none of the variables studied were statistically significant differences observed,” conclude the doctors who coordinated the test.
The Experience
“You have the feeling that you are drowning”
Another very different thing – the athletes who have tried it know it well – is the feeling of suffocation that produces sports with medium or high intensity with the mask. Those who have done it have not had good experiences.
“There is a feeling of overwhelm; To do light physical exercise there is no problem, and most of the people adapt very well with the use of the mask, but with intense sport, it is practically impossible due to the unpleasant sensation it gives; You cannot maintain high training rates. Knowing some guidelines about breathing and the type of mask also helps you breathe better with the mask in hot weather.
