Movement Technique and Standing Balance After Graded Exercise-Induced Dehydration

Context Hypohydration has been shown to alter neuromuscular function. However, the longevity of these impairments remains unclear. Objective To examine the effects of graded exercise-induced dehydration on neuromuscular control 24 hours after exercise-induced hypohydration. Design Crossover study. Setting Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants A total of 23 men (age = 21 ± 2 years, height = 179.8 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 75.24 ± 7.93 kg, maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] = 51.7 ± 5.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, body fat = 14.2% ± 4.6%). Intervention(s) Participants completed 3 randomized exercise trials: euhydrated arrival plus fluid replacement (EUR), euhydrated arrival plus no fluid (EUD), and hypohydrated arrival plus no fluid (HYD) in hot conditions (ambient temperature = 35.2°C ± 0.6°C, relative humidity = 31.3% ± 2.5%). Each trial consisted of 180 minutes of exercise (six 30-minute cycles: 8 minutes at 40% VO2max; 8 minutes, 60% VO2max; 8 minutes, 40% VO2max; 6 minutes, passive rest) followed by 60 minutes of passive recovery. Main Outcome Measure(s) We used the Landing Error Scoring System and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) to measure movement technique and postural control at pre-exercise, postexercise and passive rest (POSTEX), and 24 hours postexercise (POST24). Differences were assessed using separate mixed-design (trial × time) repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results The magnitude of hypohydration at POSTEX was different among EUR, EUD, and HYD trials (0.2% ± 1%, 3.5% ± 1%, and 5% ± 0.9%, respectively; P < .05). We observed no differences in Landing Error Scoring System scores at pre-exercise (2.9 ± 1.6, 3.0 ± 2.1, 3.0 ± 2.0), POSTEX (3.3 ± 1.5, 3.0 ± 2.0, 3.1 ± 1.9), or POST24 (3.3 ± 1.9, 3.2 ± 1.4, 3.3 ± 1.6) among the EUD, EUR, and HYD trials, respectively (P = .90). Hydration status did not affect BESS scores (P = .11), but BESS scores at POSTEX (10.4 ± 1.1) were greater than at POST24 (7.7 ± 0.9; P = .03). Conclusions Whereas exercise-induced dehydration up to 5% body mass did not impair movement technique or postural control 24 hours after a prolonged bout of exercise in a hot environment, postural control was impaired at 60 minutes after prolonged exercise in the heat. Consideration of the length of recovery time between bouts of exercise in hot environments is warranted.

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The Utility of Thirst as a Measure of Hydration Status Following Exercise-Induced Dehydration

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11112689 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 2689 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

William M. Adams ◽

Lesley W. Vandermark ◽

Luke N. Belval ◽

Douglas J. Casa

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Prolonged Exercise ◽

Recovery Period ◽

Fluid Replacement ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Visual Analog Scales ◽

Hot Environment ◽

Ad Libitum ◽

Exercise Induced

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of thirst as a marker of hydration status following prolonged exercise in the heat. Twelve men (mean ± SD; age, 23 ± 4 y; body mass, 81.4 ± 9.9 kg; height, 182 ± 9 cm; body fat, 14.3% ± 4.7%) completed two 180 min bouts of exercise on a motorized treadmill in a hot environment (35.2 ± 0.6 °C; RH, 30.0 ± 5.4%), followed by a 60 min recovery period. Participants completed a euhydrated (EUH) and hypohydrated (HYPO) trial. During recovery, participants were randomly assigned to either fluid replacement (EUHFL and HYPOFL; 10 min ad libitum consumption) or no fluid replacement (EUHNF and HYPONF). Thirst was measured using both a nine-point scale and separate visual analog scales. The percent of body mass loss (%BML) was significantly greater immediately post exercise in HYPO (HYPOFL, 3.0% ± 1.2%; HYPONF, 2.6% ± 0.6%) compared to EUH (EUHFL, 0.2% ± 0.7%; EUHNF, 0.6% ± 0.5%) trials (p < 0.001). Following recovery, there were no differences in %BML between HYPOFL and HYPONF (p > 0.05) or between EUHFL and EUHNF (p > 0.05). Beginning at minute 5 during the recovery period, thirst perception was significantly greater in HYPONF than EUHFL, EUHNF, and HYPOFL (p < 0.05). A 10 min, ad libitum consumption of fluid post exercise when hypohydrated (%BML > 2%), negated differences in perception of thirst between euhydrated and hypohydrated trials. These results represent a limitation in the utility of thirst in guiding hydration practices.

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Core Temperature and Metabolic Responses After Carbohydrate Intake During Exercise at 30°C

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-43.6.585 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (6) ◽

pp. 585-591 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Craig A. Horswill ◽

John R. Stofan ◽

Shannon C. Lovett ◽

Chris Hannasch

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Metabolic Rate ◽

Core Temperature ◽

Rectal Temperature ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Sweat Rate ◽

Fluid Replacement ◽

Metabolic Responses ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Carbohydrate Ingestion

Abstract Context: Carbohydrate ingestion has recently been associated with elevated core temperature during exercise in the heat when testing for ergogenic effects. Whether the association holds when metabolic rate is controlled is unclear. Such an effect would have undesirable consequences for the safety of the athlete. Objective: To examine whether ingesting fluids containing carbohydrate contributed to an accelerated rise in core temperature and greater overall body heat production during 1 hour of exercise at 30°C when the effort was maintained at steady state. Design: Crossover design (repeated measures) in randomized order of treatments of drinking fluids with carbohydrate and electrolytes (CHO) or flavored-water placebo with electrolytes (PLA). The beverages were identical except for the carbohydrate content: CHO = 93.7 ± 11.2 g, PLA = 0 g. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Nine physically fit, endurance-trained adult males. Intervention(s): Using rectal temperature sensors, we measured core temperature during 30 minutes of rest and 60 minutes of exercise at 65% of maximal oxygen uptake (V˙o2 max) in the heat (30.6°C, 51.8% relative humidity). Participants drank equal volumes (1.6 L) of 2 beverages in aliquots 30 minutes before and every 15 minutes during exercise. Volumes were fixed to approximate sweat rates and minimize dehydration. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rectal temperature and metabolic response (V˙o2, heart rate). Results: Peak temperature, rate of temperature increase, and metabolic responses did not differ between beverage treatments. Initial hydration status, sweat rate, and fluid replacement were also not different between trials, as planned. Conclusions: Ingestion of carbohydrate in fluid volumes that minimized dehydration during 1 hour of steady-state exercise at 30°C did not elicit an increase in metabolic rate or core temperature.

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PL - 029 Responses of Urine and Blood Biochemical Markers to Exercise-induced Body Fluid Losses in Elite Chinese Road Cyclists

Exercise Biochemistry Review ◽

10.14428/ebr.v1i1.8473 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Qi Han ◽

Jinde Fu ◽

Jing Shao ◽

Qirong Wang ◽

Zilong Fang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Exercise Performance ◽

Muscle Injury ◽

Performance Test ◽

Fluid Intake ◽

Fluid Replacement ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Performance Tests ◽

Sweat Loss ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Exercise Induced

Objective To examine biochemistry parameters regarding exercise induced fatigue, e.g. Sweat Loss (SL), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Blood Urinary Nitrogen (BUN), etc. Methods This study examined Sweat Loss and blood biochemistry biomarkers regarding fatigue and muscle injury among elite cyclists under a training mode of 120 min moderate workload at 50 - 70% VO2max, then, 10 min relaxation, and then, followed up with a 20 min of spinning session over 85% VO2max. 12 healthy elite Chinese male cyclists (22.6 ± 2.9 years old, 78.3 ± 5.7 kg in weight, 184.6 ± 4.3 cm in height) were recruited. They performed four exercise performance tests throughout this study with 15 days washout period in between. Blood serum tests and urine tests were taken both pre- and post-exercise tests, and dynamic cardio-respiratory hardware (MetaMax 3B, Cortex Biophysik, Germany) was applied during each of their test. There were 2 different sport beverages available. The fluid replacement plan was a double blind crossover design. The volume of fluid intake was in accordance with ACSM recommendation for fluid replacement. Those who were assigned with sport beverage A (6% carbohydrate with 1% peptide) for the first and second performance tests, will be re-assigned to sport beverage B (6% carbohydrate without peptide) for the third and fourth performance tests, vice versa. Notes were taken for the volume of fluid intake to calculate the estimated Sweat Loss. Results We found 91.7% trials have increased LDH, 88.9% trials have increased CK, and 100% trials have been observed increased BUN right after exercise performance test. Even with sufficient water supply, athletes hydration status were getting worse after exercise performance test, their urine USG results were 1.024 ± 0.006 and 1.027 ± 0.006 for pre- and post-exercise performance test respectively. Their dehydration status quantified by the percentage change in body mass (%BM) was 1.86% ± 1.03% with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.57% to 2.15%. Conclusions Though, with sufficient water supply, athletes hydration status were getting worse after exercise performance test considering Sweat Loss and blood biochemistry indicators regarding fatigue and muscle injury.

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Comparison of Esophageal, Rectal, and Gastrointestinal Temperatures During Passive Rest After Exercise in The Heat: The Influence of Hydration

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2016-0022 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Yuri Hosokawa ◽

William M. Adams ◽

Douglas J. Casa

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽

Induced Hyperthermia ◽

Hot Environment ◽

Honestly Significant Difference ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tukey Honestly Significant Difference ◽

Globe Temperature ◽

Exercise Induced ◽

Post Hoc

Context: It is unknown how valid esophageal, rectal, and gastrointestinal temperatures (TES, TRE, and TGI) compare after exercise-induced hyperthermia under different hydration states. Objective: To examine the differences between TES, TRE, and TGI during passive rest following exercise-induced hyperthermia under 2 different hydration states: euhydrated (EU) and hypohydrated (HY). Design: Randomized crossover design. Setting: Controlled laboratory setting. Participants: 9 recreationally active male participants (mean ± SD age 24 ± 4 y, height 177.3 ± 9.9 cm, body mass 76.7 ± 11.6 kg, body fat 14.7% ± 5.8%). Intervention: Participants completed 2 trials (EU and HY) consisting of a bout of treadmill exercise (a 10-min walk at 4.8-7.2 km/h at a 5% grade followed by a 20-min jog at 8.0-12.1 km/h at a 1% grade) in a hot environment (ambient temperature 39.3 ± 1.0°C, relative humidity 37.6% ± 6.0%, wet bulb globe temperature 31.3 ± 1.5°C) followed by passive rest. Main Outcome Measures: Root-mean-squared difference (RMSD) was used to compare the variance of temperature readings at corresponding time points for TRE vs TGI, TRE vs TES, and TGI vs TES in EU and HY. RMSD values were compared using 3-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Post hoc analysis of significant main effects was done using Tukey honestly significant difference with significance set at P < .05. Results: RMSD values (°C) for all device comparisons were significantly different in EU (TRE-TGI, 0.11 ± 0.12; TRE-TES, 1.58 ± 1.01; TGI-TES, 2.04 ± 1.19) than HY (TRE-TGI, 0.22 ± 0.28; TRE-TES, 1.27 ± 0.61; TGI-TES, 1.16 ± 0.76) (P < .01). Across the 45-min bout of passive rest, there were no differences in TRE, TGI, and TES between EU and HY trials (P = .468). Conclusions: During passive rest after exercise in the heat, TRE and TGI were in good agreement when tracking body temperature, with a better agreement appearing in those maintaining a state of euhydration versus those who became hypohydrated during exercise; however, this small difference does not appear to be of clinical significance. The large differences were observed when comparing TGI and TRE with TES.

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“Going Backward”: Effects of age and fatigue on posterior-directed falls in Parkinson disease

Neurorehabilitation ◽

10.3233/nre-210040 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Evan V. Papa ◽

Rita M. Patterson ◽

Nicoleta Bugnariu

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Parkinson Disease ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Angular Displacement ◽

Reaction Times ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Peak Knee ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Fatiguing Exercise

BACKGROUND: Nearly half of persons with Parkinson disease (PD) report fatigue as a factor in their fall history. However, it is unknown whether these self-reported falls are caused by a sensation of fatigue or performance fatigue. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the influences of performance fatigue and age on postural control in persons with PD. METHODS: Individuals with PD (n = 14) underwent postural control assessments before (T0) and immediately after (T1) fatiguing exercise. Biomechanical data were gathered on participants completing a treadmill-induced, posterior-directed fall. Performance fatigue was produced using lower extremity resistance exercise on an isokinetic ergometer. Repeated measures ANCOVAs were used with age as a covariate to determine the effects of performance fatigue on biomechanical variables. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, there was a statistically significant difference in peak center of pressure (COP) latency during the support phase of recovery. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated a decrease in peak ankle displacement from T0 to T1. Age was also found to be significantly related to reaction time and peak knee displacement while participants were fatigued. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased peak COP latency, along with decreased ankle angular displacement, suggest that persons with PD adopt a stiffening strategy in response to backward directed falls. Postural stiffening is not uncommon in persons with PD and could be a risk factor for falls. Older individuals with PD demonstrate slower mobility scores and decreased reaction times in the setting of fatigue, suggesting a combined effect of the aging and fatigue processes.

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Sex Differences, Hormone Fluctuations, Ankle Stability, and Dynamic Postural Control

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-47.2.143 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 143-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Hayley Ericksen ◽

Phillip A. Gribble

Keyword(s):

Menstrual Cycle ◽

Postural Control ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Balance Test ◽

Healthy Women ◽

Ankle Stability ◽

Ankle Arthrometer ◽

Main Effect ◽

Star Excursion Balance Test ◽

Anterior Posterior

Context: Hormonal fluctuation as a risk factor in anterior cruciate ligament injury has been investigated with conflicting results. However, the influence of hormone fluctuations on ankle laxity and function has not been thoroughly examined. Objective: To examine the potential hormone contributions to ankle laxity and dynamic postural control during the preovulatory and postovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle using an ankle arthrometer and the Star Excursion Balance Test in healthy women. The cohort group consisted of male control participants. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty healthy women (age = 23.8 ± 6.50 years, height = 163.88 ± 8.28 cm, mass = 63.08 ± 12.38 kg) and 20 healthy men (age = 23.90 ± 4.15 years, height = 177.07 ± 7.60 cm, mass = 80.57 ± 12.20 kg). Intervention(s): Ankle stability was assessed with anterior-posterior and inversion-eversion loading. Dynamic postural control was assessed with the posteromedial reaching distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test. Main Outcome Measure(s): Female participants used ovulation kits for 3 months to determine the time of ovulation; during their preovulatory and postovulatory phases, they were tested in the laboratory with an ankle arthrometer and the Star Excursion Balance Test. Male participants were tested on similar dates as controls. For each dependent variable, a time by side by sex repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed. Statistical significance was set a priori at P < .05. Results: For anterior-posterior laxity, a side main effect was noted (F1,38 = 10.93, P = .002). For inversion-eversion laxity, a sex main effect was seen (F1,38 = 10.75, P = .002). For the posteromedial reaching task, a sex main effect was demonstrated (F1,38 = 8.72, P = .005). No influences of time on the dependent variables were evident. Conclusions: Although women presented with more ankle inversion-eversion laxity and less dynamic postural control, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle (preovulatory compared with postovulatory) did not affect ankle laxity or dynamic postural control, 2 factors that are associated with ankle instability.

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Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Control Immediately After Fatiguing Hip-Abduction Exercise

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-46.6.607 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 46 (6) ◽

pp. 607-614 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Kelly L. McMullen ◽

Nicole L. Cosby ◽

Jay Hertel ◽

Christopher D. Ingersoll ◽

Joseph M. Hart

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Postural Control ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Neuromuscular Control ◽

Lower Extremity Injury ◽

Median Frequency ◽

Men And Women ◽

Hip Abduction ◽

Quality Of Movement

Context: Fatigue of the gluteus medius (GMed) muscle might be associated with decreases in postural control due to insufficient pelvic stabilization. Men and women might have different muscular recruitment patterns in response to GMed fatigue. Objective: To compare postural control and quality of movement between men and women after a fatiguing hip-abduction exercise. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: Controlled laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Eighteen men (age = 22 ± 3.64 years, height = 183.37 ± 8.30 cm, mass = 87.02 ±12.53 kg) and 18 women (age = 22 ± 3.14, height = 167.65 ± 5.80 cm, mass = 66.64 ± 10.49 kg) with no history of low back or lower extremity injury participated in our study. Intervention(s): Participants followed a fatiguing protocol that involved a side-lying hip-abduction exercise performed until a 15% shift in electromyographic median frequency of the GMed was reached. Main Outcome Measure(s): Baseline and postfatigue measurements of single-leg static balance, dynamic balance, and quality of movement assessed with center-of-pressure measurements, the Star Excursion Balance Test, and lateral step-down test, respectively, were recorded for the dominant lower extremity (as identified by the participant). Results: We observed no differences in balance deficits between sexes (P > .05); however, we found main effects for time with all of our postfatigue outcome measures (P ≤ .05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that postural control and quality of movement were affected negatively after a GMed-fatiguing exercise. At similar levels of local muscle fatigue, men and women had similar measurements of postural control.

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Effect of physical training on exercise-induced sweating in women

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/jappl.1981.51.6.1526 ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 51 (6) ◽

pp. 1526-1532 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

T. Araki ◽

K. Matsushita ◽

K. Umeno ◽

A. Tsujino ◽

Y. Toda

Keyword(s):

Physical Training ◽

Time Course ◽

Sweat Rate ◽

Work Load ◽

Young Female ◽

Bicycle Ergometer ◽

Progressive Decrease ◽

Trained Group ◽

Hot Environment ◽

Exercise Induced

The effect of physical training on the time course of sweat rate in women has been examined. Physically untrained and trained young female subjects pedaled a bicycle ergometer at work rates of 483 and 981 kgm.min-1, for 2 h in summer and winter in an ambient environment of 30 degrees C db and 60% rh. The trained women also worked at 1,070 kgm.min-1 and the untrained at 391 kgm.min-1. Rectal temperature was measured, and capsule sweat samples were collected from the back every 5 min. Sweating was initiated more rapidly in the trained group than in the untrained group. The trained group working at a load of 981 kgm.min-1 exhibited a progressive decrease in sweat rate. This was not observed at a work load of 483 kgm.min-1. Hidromeiosis was rarely seen in the untrained group. However, in the untrained women who underwent 60 days of physical training, initiation of sweating occurred more quickly and hidromeiosis was observed. It was concluded that previous physical training improved women's capacity for useful sweating during exercise in a hot environment.

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Added body mass alters plantar shear stresses, postural control, and gait kinetics: Implications for obesity

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0246605 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0246605

Author(s):

Hwigeum Jeong ◽

A. Wayne Johnson ◽

J. Brent Feland ◽

Spencer R. Petersen ◽

Jared M. Staten ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Body Mass ◽

Mass Distribution ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Health Concern ◽

Shear Stresses ◽

Clinical Role ◽

Body Distribution ◽

Weighted Vest

Context Obesity is a growing global health concern. The increased body mass and altered mass distribution associated with obesity may be related to increases in plantar shear that putatively leads to physical functional deficits. Therefore, measurement of plantar shear may provide unique insights on the effects of body mass and body distribution on physical function or performance. Purpose 1) To investigate the effects of body mass and distribution on plantar shear. 2) To examine how altered plantar shear influences postural control and gait kinetics. Hypothesis 1) a weighted vest forward distributed (FV) would shift the center of pressure (CoP) location forward during standing compared with a weighted vest evenly distributed (EV), 2) FV would increase plantar shear spreading forces more than EV during standing, 3) FV would increase postural sway during standing while EV would not, and 4) FV would elicit greater compensatory changes during walking than EV. Methods Twenty healthy young males participated in four different tests: 1) static test (for measuring plantar shear and CoP location without acceleration, 2) bilateral-foot standing postural control test, 3) single-foot standing postural test, and 4) walking test. All tests were executed in three different weight conditions: 1) unweighted (NV), 2) EV with 20% added body mass, and 3) FV, also with 20% added body mass. Plantar shear stresses were measured using a pressure/shear device, and several shear and postural control metrics were extracted. Repeated measures ANOVAs with Holms post hoc test were used to compare each metric among the three conditions (α = 0.05). Results FV and EV increased both AP and ML plantar shear forces compared to NV. FV shifted CoP forward in single-foot trials. FV and EV showed decreased CoP range and velocity and increased Time-to-Boundary (TTB) during postural control compared to NV. EV and FV showed increased breaking impulse and propulsive impulse compared to NV. In addition, EV showed even greater impulses than FV. While EV increased ML plantar shear spreading force, FV increased AP plantar shear spreading force during walking. Conclusion Added body mass increases plantar shear spreading forces. Body mass distribution had greater effects during dynamic tasks. In addition, healthy young individuals seem to quickly adapt to external stimuli to control postural stability. However, as this is a first step study, follow-up studies are necessary to further support the clinical role of plantar shear in other populations such as elderly and individuals with obesity or diabetes.

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Effect of a Taped Filter Mask on Perceived Breathlessness, Heart Rate, Lactate and Oxygen Saturation During a Graded Exercise Test

10.21203/rs.3.rs-654495/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hoi Lam Ng ◽

Johannes Trefz ◽

Martin Schönfelder ◽

Henning Wackerhage

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Oxygen Saturation ◽

Exercise Test ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Face Mask ◽

Cycle Ergometer ◽

Peripheral Oxygen Saturation ◽

Graded Exercise Test ◽

Graded Exercise ◽

The Face

Abstract Background: Face masks are an effective, non-pharmacological strategy to reduce the transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other pathogens. However, it is a challenge to keep masks sealed during exercise, as ventilation can increase from 5-10 L/min at rest to up to 200 L/min so that masks may be blown away from the face. To reduce leakage e.g. during exercise, a face mask was developed that is taped onto the face. The aim of this study was to investigate during a graded cycle ergometry test the effect of a taped mask on the perception of breathlessness, heart rate, lactate, and oxygen saturation when compared to a surgical mask and no mask.Methods: Four trained and healthy males and females each (n=8 in total) performed incremental cycle ergometer tests until voluntary exhaustion under three conditions: (1) No mask/control, (2) surgical mask or (3) taped mask. During these tests, we measured perception of breathlessness, heart rate, the concentration of blood lactate and peripheral oxygen saturation and analysed the resultant data with one or two-way repeated measures ANOVAs. We also used a questionnaire to evaluate mask comfort and analysed the data with paired t-tests. Results: When compared to wearing no mask, a taped face mask significantly reduces the maximal workload in a graded exercise test by 12±6% (p=0.001). Moreover, with a taped face mask, subjects perceive severe breathlessness at 12±9% lower workload (p=0.012) and oxygen saturation at 65% of the maximal workload is 1.5% lower (p=0.018) when compared to wearing no mask. Heart rate and the concentration of lactate were not significantly different at any workload. When compared to wearing a surgical mask, wearing a taped face mask has a significantly better wearing comfort (p=0.038), feels better on the skin (p=0.004), there is a lower sensation of moisture (p=0.026) and wearers perceive that less heat is generated (p=0.021). We found no sex/gender differences for any parameters. Conclusions: A taped mask is well tolerated during light and moderate exercise intensity but reduces maximal exercise capacity.

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