Not only does the COVID-pandemic practice of wearing a mask while exercising indoors help protect us from viruses, it can improve lung function, according to a University of Alberta study that unmasks the surprising effects of increased exertion in dry environments.
"One of the questions that surfaced during COVID was, When you wear a mask for protection from viruses, does a mask affect physical activity effort for breathing and overall intensity?'" says Michael Kennedy, an exercise physiology professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. "We wanted to understand whether a basic cloth mask had any negatives or benefits beyond reducing virus transmission and contagion risks during exercise."
For the study, Kennedy's team had study participants run on a treadmill because this is by far the most popular type of aerobic exercise in a fitness centre. The researchers measured lung function using handheld spirometers - devices participants blow into - during and after exercise, both with and without masks.
