Mask Usage and Physical Performance During COVID-19 Pandemic in Geriatrics

Use of Surgical Masks in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Does it Affect Physical Performance in Geriatrics?

In the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of masks in daily life has become an important issue. The most important measure taken to prevent contagion is the use of masks. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of surgical masks used in every moment of life on physical performance in elderly individuals.

Physical performance measurements were carried out by a physiotherapist using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Participants were informed about the procedure of the test. All participants performed two evaluation sessions by the SFT with and without using a surgical mask. The participants were randomly selected to perform the test whether with or without the surgical mask at first. The sessions were held at least 24 hours apart to prevent fatigue.

Inclusion Criteria:

• geriatrics who had a score of ≥24 in the Mini Mental Test
• which evaluates the cognitive levels of individuals over the age of 65
• who were sufficient to perform physical function tests
• who had not been diagnosed with COVID-19 before

Exclusion Criteria:

• participants with severe respiratory disease (tuberculosis, severe COPD or bronchiectasis),
• uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, unstable angina, heart failure, severe kidney disease, neurological disorders that could cause consciousness change
• whose disease could not be controlled with medication