Physiological effects of filtering facepiece respirators based on age and exercise intensity

TL;DR

This study examines how wearing face masks affects breathing and exercise in different age groups, finding minimal impact during daily activities and short-term exercise.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on FFR physiological effects across age groups and exercise intensities.

Findings

FFRs did not significantly alter physiological parameters compared to no mask during treadmill tests.

Respiratory and metabolic parameters increased with exercise intensity but not due to mask type.

O2 and CO2 levels in masks changed with exercise intensity but not dead space volume or mask design.

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) were highly effective, but concerns arose regarding their physiological effects across different age groups. This study evaluated these effects based on age and exercise intensity in 28 participants (children, young adults, and older individuals). Physiological parameters such as respiratory frequency (Rf), minute ventilation (VE), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), metabolic equivalents (METs), percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the concentration of O2 and CO2 in the FFRs were measured during treadmill tests with and without FFRs (cup-shaped, flat-folded, and with an exhalation valve). There was no significant difference in physiological effects between the control and FFR types, although Rf, VE, VCO2, VO2, METs, and HR increased with increasing exercise intensity. Depending on the exercise intensity, the O2 level in the FFR dead space decreased, and the CO2 level increased but this was independent of the dead space volume or FFR type. The study concluded that FFRs did not substantially impact daily life or short-term exercise, supporting their safe and effective use as a public health measure during pandemics and informing inclusive guidelines and policies.

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