Comparative Analysis of VO₂ Max with Different Types of Masks in Healthy Young Adults: An Observational Study

Sachi Mevada; Dr. Khyati Patel

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.71294

Comparative Analysis of VO₂ Max with Different Types of Masks in Healthy Young Adults: An Observational Study

Author(s)	Dr. Sachi Mevada, Dr. Khyati Patel
Country	India
Abstract	Background: The widespread use of face masks during respiratory disease outbreaks has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on aerobic capacity and oxygen uptake during exercise. While masks are essential for infection control, their influence on functional cardiorespiratory performance remains insufficiently understood. Objective: To compare estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) during submaximal exercise under three mask conditions in healthy young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 75 healthy individuals aged 20–40 years. Participants performed the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) while wearing three different mask configurations: Cotton + Surgical mask, Double Surgical mask, and N95 mask. Tests were conducted in randomized order. Estimated VO₂ max was calculated after each trial. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests. Results: Our study recruited 75 healthy volunteers. The participants had a body mass index ranging from 14 to 30.9, with an average of 24.35±3.16. As per Non Parametric Test, Kruskall Wallis Test Estimated VO2 max was not significant in all three mask As KW test value was 0.15 and P value 0.93. As per Post-hoc statistics for RPE there is significant difference between Double surgical and cotton + surgical P<0.001 and Between N95 and Cotton + Surgical P=0.006, For SBP there is significant difference between Double surgical and N95 P=0.01, between Double surgical and cotton + surgical P<0.001 and Between N95 and Cotton + Surgical P <0.001, For DBP there is significant difference between Double Surgical and N95 P=0.001 and Between N95 and Cotton + Surgical P <0.001 Conclusion: Cotton + Surgical mask led increment in Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure and RPE compare to Other mask condition. Double Surgical mask is better for Protection and also that doesn’t affects much to normal Physiological Systems of body.
Keywords	Double Masking, N95 mask, Cotton + Surgical mask, Double Surgical mask, 6MWT, Submaximal Exercise Test, CRF, VO2 max
Field	Physical Science
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-13
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.71294

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Comparative Analysis of VO₂ Max with Different Types of Masks in Healthy Young Adults: An Observational Study

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