A Long-term effects of wearing a reusable mask while running exercises on blood gas levels in adults

Abstract

Introduction: There is growing concern around the world regarding pandemic diseases of the respiratory system, including Coronavirus disease 2019 and tuberculosis, and the health problems associated with air pollution, which have led to wearing of protective masks in daily life, including during running exercises. Purpose: To study and compare the long-term effects of wearing reusable masks while running exercises on blood gas parameters and on haematocrit levels in adults. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers, aged 25–40 years old, were randomly assigned to two groups: moderate-and vigorous-intensity running groups. Both groups wore reusable masks that could filter air at 95% during running exercises for a period of 6 weeks. Results: Carbon dioxide in arterial blood and bicarbonate levels in red blood increased significantly (p<0.05) after wearing reusable masks during running. A comparison between the two groups revealed that the bicarbonate levels in arterial blood in the vigorous exercise group were significantly higher than those in the moderate exercise group (p<0.01), but there were no significant differences between the groups in the other variables tested. Conclusions: Wearing a mask while running for a prolonged time was associated with primary respiratory acidosis. However, the body retained the ability to reduce the blood pH without increasing the number of blood cells. Instead, rectification was performed through the proximal ureter, using bicarbonate as the chemical substrate. Consequently, a decrease in the amount of water in the blood was observed, which was associated with marked viscosity of the blood. © JPES.