The effect of the surgical mask on functional exercise capacity in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract The current study focused on children with cerebral palsy (CP) and aimed to evaluate the effects of using a surgical mask during submaximal exercise on functional exercise capacity and physiological responses. This single-center observational study enrolled 20 children with CP (12 boys and eight girls) between the ages of 6 and 18 years. Participants performed 6-minute walk tests (6-MWT) with and without a surgical mask on different days. We recorded walking distance, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate before and immediately after the end of the 6-MWT with and without the mask. The mean walking distance was significantly (p=0.013, Cohen’s-d=0.345) shorter with the surgical mask, 254.77±77.83 and 293.57±81.27 without a mask. There were no significant differences in O2 saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate after the 6-MWT with or without a mask. Using a surgical mask significantly reduced the walking distance by up to 13% in children with CP, with no significant changes in physiological responses. Clinical Trial Number: We did not apply for the clinical trial number. If it is mandatory, we can apply retrospectively.