Purpose: To identify how performance is affected during maximal exercise in sub-zero conditions with the use of a heat-and-moisture-exchanging mask between men and women.
Methods: 23 healthy participants (eight female, 15 male; age 18-53 y) performed two simulated four-minute competition efforts including a graded warm-up at -15℃ in randomized order either with or without mask first. Breathing frequency, heart rate and velocity were measured constantly. Capillary blood samples were collected 2 min pre-and post-maximal test.
Results: There was an overall negative effect of the mask on performance for both sexes (Women: -5 ± 21m; Men: -17 ± 30m, p = 0.033). Female participants accumulated more blood lactate than men during the effort with mask (9.3 ± 3.1 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4 mmol⋅L-1, p = 0.044 ). Men had an increased breathing frequency in the first 80-s of the time trial with the mask (p < 0.05). Women exhibited more even pacing, whilst men tended towards a negative pacing strategy, this observation was not affected by the mask. There was no change in heart rate between trials in either sex.
Conclusions: Competition performance in both sexes is hindered by wearing a mask in sub-zero conditions. The mechanisms through which this hindrance occurs are different between sexes.
Practical applications: Men and women should consider whether using a mask in short competition efforts is worthwhile for them at -15℃. Future research is required around longer competitions in sub-zero conditions.