Surgical Face Mask Effects in Patients With COVID-19

Effects of Surgical Face Mask on Submaximal Exercise Test in Patients With COVID-19

The use of personal protective equipment is mandatory for healthcare workers caring patient with COVID-19. To maximise the reduction of virus spread during clinical procedures involving the presence of healthcare workers, it is also recommended to patients to wear surgical facemask. Routine clinical procedures include cardio-pulmonary and strengthening exercises. During these exercises, the wearing of a face mask may be difficult to tolerate by patients, especially since they experience breathing difficulties due to the illness. Therefore, this study aims to verify the effects of the surgical facemask on breathing difficulties and exercise performance during a 1-minute sit to stand test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hospitalized for COVID-19
• No need of supplemental oxygen during the procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Altered state of consciousness
• Respiratory co-morbidities
• Neurological or orthopedic co-morbidities susceptible to alter the reliability of the sit-to-stand test
• Having required high flow nasal cannula or non-invasive ventilation during the hospital stay