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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-07-2021 | Original Article

A heat and moisture-exchanging mask impairs self-paced maximal running performance in a sub-zero environment

Authors: Alasdair S. Tutt, Hampus Persson, Erik P. Andersson, Mats Ainegren, Nikolai Stenfors, Helen G. Hanstock

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 7/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Heat-and-moisture-exchanging devices (HME) are commonly used by endurance athletes during training in sub-zero environments, but their effects on performance are unknown. We investigated the influence of HME usage on running performance at − 15 °C.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy adults (15 male, 8 female; age 18–53 years; \(\dot{V}{\text O}_{2peak}\) men 56 ± 7, women 50 ± 4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) performed two treadmill exercise tests with and without a mask-style HME in a randomised, crossover design. Participants performed a 30-min submaximal warm-up (SUB), followed by a 4-min maximal, self-paced running time-trial (TT). Heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (f_R), and thoracic area skin temperature (T_sk) were monitored using a chest-strap device; muscle oxygenation (SmO₂) and deoxyhaemoglobin concentration ([HHb]) were derived from near-infra-red-spectroscopy sensors on m. vastus lateralis; blood lactate was measured 2 min before and after the TT.

Results

HME usage reduced distance covered in the TT by 1.4%, despite similar perceived exertion, HR, f_R, and lactate accumulation. The magnitude of the negative effect of the HME on performance was positively associated with body mass (r² = 0.22). SmO₂ and [HHb] were 3.1% lower and 0.35 arb. unit higher, respectively, during the TT with HME, and T_sk was 0.66 °C higher during the HME TT in men. HR (+ 2.7 beats·min⁻¹) and T_sk (+ 0.34 °C) were higher during SUB with HME. In the male participants, SmO₂ was 3.8% lower and [HHb] 0.42 arb. unit higher during SUB with HME.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that HME usage impairs maximal running performance and increases the physiological demands of submaximal exercise.

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Title: A heat and moisture-exchanging mask impairs self-paced maximal running performance in a sub-zero environment
Authors: Alasdair S. Tutt
Hampus Persson
Erik P. Andersson
Mats Ainegren
Nikolai Stenfors
Helen G. Hanstock
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04666-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A heat and moisture-exchanging mask impairs self-paced maximal running performance in a sub-zero environment

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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