Effects of surgical face mask use during exercise of different intensities on cognitive function in healthy young adults under hot and humid conditions

Luo Na,Junhao Huang1,*,#, Jinglin Huang1, Kewen Wan2, Xinyue Yang1, Chen Zheng3,*, Stephen Heung-Sang Wong2,*

1 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Guangzhou Sport University, Tian He, Guangzhou, China

2 Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, China

3 Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China

# Lead contact

*Address for correspondence:

Prof. Junhao Huang, PhD; Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, 1268 Middle

Guangzhou Avenue, Tian He, Guangzhou, China; E-mail: junhaohuang2006@hotmail.com

Or

Prof. Chen Zheng, PhD; Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China; E-mail: czheng@eduhk.hk

Or

Prof. Stephen Heung-Sang Wong, PhD; Rm G08 Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong, China; Tel: (852) 3943 6095; E-mail: hsswong@cuhk.edu.hk

Abstract

Background: This study investigated whether wearing a surgical face mask during exercise of different intensities affects cognitive function in healthy young adults under hot and humid conditions.

Results: Reaction time for congruent, incongruent, and Stroop interference tasks significantly decreased post-exercise in moderate and vigorous intensity trials, regardless of mask use (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Wearing a surgical face mask during light-to-moderate exercise does not impair cognitive function in healthy young adults under hot and humid conditions. 

Keywords: Face mask; Cognitive function; fNIRS; Exercise intensity; Heat; Humidity