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Facemask Use During High Intensity Interval Exercise in Temperate and Hot Environments

Exercise routines are effective interventions to reduce risk of chronic disease. Health concerns regarding mask use may lead individuals to adopt a less active lifestyle. Knowledge of perceptual and physiological responses with mask use during exercise may lead individuals to adapt training routines and maintain the health benefits of exercise. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surgical mask use during high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on physiological and perceptual responses in hot and temperate environments. Methods: In a randomized fashion, 10 healthy participants completed two HIIE sessions in a 36°C hot (HUE-HOT) and two HIIE sessions in a 23°C temperate environment (HIIE-TEMP) while wearing (MASK) and not wearing a surgical mask (CON). Results: No differences in physiological variables were found between MASK and CON during HIIE. An increase in perceived dyspnea and average RPE was found comparing MASK and CON. Interaction effects showed the greatest changes in perceived dyspnea and average RPE occurred in the HIIE-HOT/MASK condition. Conclusion: Wearing a surgical mask during HIIE increases the perception of dyspnea and exertion with the greatest effect occurring in hot environments.