Effect of wearing different types of face masks during dynamic and isometric resistance training on intraocular pressure

ABSTRACT

Clinical relevance

The use of face masks has demonstrated to be an effective strategy to prevent transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Wearing face masks, mainly Filtering Face Piece 2 (FFP2) masks, during exercise practice has demonstrated to affect several physiological measures.

Background

This study was aimed at assessing the intraocular pressure (IOP) behaviour during the execution of the dynamic and isometric biceps-curl exercise with a surgical and FFP2 face mask.

Methods

Twenty two physically active young adults performed sets of 10 repetitions against the 10-RM (repetition maximum) load and 1-minute isometric effort against a load 15% lower than the 10-RM load with the FFP2 and surgical mask and without any mask. A total of six exercise sets (3 experimental conditions [FFP2, surgical and control] × 2 exercise modalities) were performed. A rebound tonometer was used to measure IOP before, during (10 measurements), and after (30-seconds of passive recovery) each training set.

Results

At rest, there were not statistically significant IOP differences (p = 0.222). During dynamic exercise, there was a progressive IOP rise (p < 0.001), and a higher IOP response with the FFP2 than without the mask (corrected p-value = 0.003). For the isometric exercise, there was a greater IOP response as a function of accumulated effort (p < 0.001), which was dependent of the face mask used (FFP2> surgical>control; corrected p-values< 0.01).

Conclusions

The FFP2 masks cause a heightened IOP response during the execution of dynamic and isometric biceps-curl exercise, suggesting that, when possible, glaucoma patients should limit the use of FFP2 masks during resistance training.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• Glaucoma management
• Ocular health
• Resistance training

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all the participants who selflessly collaborated in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The University of Granada (“Plan Propio” program; grant reference: PPJIA2020.13) provided financial support in the form of grant funding.