Mask Usage and Exercise During the COVİD-19 Pandemic

Surgical masks are frequently used after the necessity to use a mask in the community.The effects of technologically well-designed training masks used in athletes have been shown on hypoxia and heart rate responses during exercise, but there are no studies examining the exercise capacity and hemodynamic responses given to exercise in healthy normal individuals.This study is planned to evaluate the effects of the use of surgical masks that are widespread in the community due to pandemic on the exercise capacity and exercise responses (heart rate, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, fatigue).

Exercise tests will be carried out for each individual randomly, twice with a mask and without a mask. The materials used before and after each exercise test will be sterilized. During the exercise test, individual antibacterial filters will be used for each person.Bruce protocol will be used to determine exercise capacity.

Inclusion criteria

• Volunteering to be included in the research,
• Being between the ages of 18-65,
• Having physical fitness to do exercise tests,
• Having a cognitive function that will allow active participation in the exercise test.
• No chronic illness.

Exclusion criteria

• Not to volunteer to participate in the research,
• Having any mental or physical condition that impedes performing exercise tests,
• Having any of the symptoms of COVID-19,
• Having been diagnosed with COVID-19 before,
• Having a history of contact with COVID-19 patient
• Having a cardiac, neurological, orthopedic and respiratory disease
• Use of assistive devices while walking