Surgical masks do not increase the risk of heat stroke during mild exercise in hot and humid environment.
Ind Health
; 59(5): 325-333, 2021 Oct 05.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1363586
ABSTRACT
Surgical masks are widely used for the prevention of respiratory infections. However, the risk of heat stroke during intense work or exercise in hot and humid environment is a concern. This study aimed to examine whether wearing a surgical mask increases the risk of heat stroke during mild exercise in such environment. Twelve participants conducted treadmill exercise for 30 min at 6 km/h, with 5% slope, 35°C ambient temperature, and 65% relative humidity, while wearing or not a surgical mask (mask and control trials, respectively). Rectal temperature (Trec), ear canal temperature (Tear), and mean skin temperature (mean Tskin) were assessed. Skin temperature and humidity of the perioral area of the face (Tface and RHface) were also estimated. Thermal sensation and discomfort, sensation of humidity, fatigue, and thirst were rated using the visual analogue scale. Trec, Tear, mean Tskin, and Tface increased during the exercise, without any difference between the two trials. RHface during the exercise was greater in the mask trial. Hot sensation was greater in the mask trial, but no influence on fatigue and thirst was found. These results suggest that wearing a surgical mask does not increase the risk of heat stroke during mild exercise in moist heat.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Heat Stroke
/
Masks
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Ind Health
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
INDHEALTH.2021-0072
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