Effects of Wearing Facemasks During Brisk Walks: A COVID-19 Dilemma
O. Baron, Yulia Gendler, Patrick Stafler, Hagit Levine, Guy Steuer, Einat Shmueli, Dario Prais, Meir Mei‐Zahav
Abstract
<h3>Background:</h3> During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, wearing facemasks became obligatory worldwide. <h3>Objectives:</h3> The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of facemasks on gas exchange. <h3>Methods:</h3> Healthy adults were assessed at rest and during slow and brisk 5-minute walks, with and without masks. We monitored O<sub>2</sub> saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO<sub>2</sub>), and heart and respiratory rates. Participants graded their subjective difficulty and completed individual sensations questionnaires. <h3>Results:</h3> Twenty-one participants with a median age of 38 years (range, 29–57 years) were recruited. At rest, all vital signs remained normal, without and with masks. However, during slow and brisk walks, EtCO<sub>2</sub> increased; the rise was significantly higher while wearing masks: slow walk, mean EtCO<sub>2</sub> (mmHg) change +4.5 ± 2.4 versus +2.9 ± 2.3, <i>P</i> = .004; brisk walk EtCO<sub>2</sub> change +8.4 ± 3.0 versus +6.2 ± 4.0, <i>P</i> = .009, with and without masks, respectively. Wearing masks was also associated with higher proportions of participant hypercarbia (EtCO<sub>2</sub> range, 46–49 mmHg) compared with walking without masks, though this was only partially significant. Mean O<sub>2</sub>-saturation remained stable (98%) while walking without masks but decreased by 1.2 % ± 2.2 while walking briskly with a mask (<i>P</i> = .01). Mild desaturation (O<sub>2</sub> range, 93% to 96%) was noted during brisk walks among 43% of participants with masks, compared with only 14% without masks (<i>P</i> = .08). Borg9s scale significantly increased while walking with a mask, for both slow and brisk walks (<i>P</i> < .001). Sensations of difficulty breathing and shortness of breath were more common while walking with masks. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> While important to prevent viral spread, wearing facemasks during brisk 5-minute walks might be associated with mild hypercarbia and desaturation. The clinical significance of these minor gas exchange abnormalities is unclear and should be further investigated.