| Abstract |
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of the type of mask worn during aerobic exercise on respiratory
function. Methods: A total of 30 people were included in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to two
groups: the dental mask group (wearing dental masks during aerobic exercise, n=15) and the KF94 mask group (wearing
KF94 masks during aerobic exercise, n=15). Aerobic exercise was performed using a sedentary cycle with eight levels of
intensity control three times a week for 4 weeks. Respiratory function (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory
volume in one second [FEV1], FEV1-to-FVC ratio [FEV1/FVC%], and peak expiratory flow [PEF]) was assessed using a
spirometer at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. Results: A significant difference in all respiratory function parameters, including FVC,
FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, and PEF, was observed between the two groups (p<.05). The change in respiratory function was not
statistically significantly different between the two groups. However, a significant difference in the amount of change in
PEF was observed between the two groups at 4 weeks (p<.05). Conclusion: The dental and KF94 mask groups showed
increased respiratory function. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Furthermore,
no difference was observed in the amount of increase in respiratory function during aerobic exercise according to the
mask type. Thus, we recommend wearing a dental mask that is easy to breathe during aerobic exercise. |