Masking the real problem: Does wearing a face mask during running make it feel harder or are you just unfit?

Dr Breanne Kunstler (BBiomedSci, BHealthSci, MPhysio, PhD). 

Physiotherapist, behaviour change scientist and run coach.

Aim: Establish the effects of wearing a facial mask on perceived exertion and physiological outcomes during running.

Method: One 31-year-old woman (max HR = 189 beats per min) pushing a pram with one 10 month-old-child (weight = heavy) ran* 2.7km twice while attending a work meeting. The second run was completed while wearing a three-layered facial mask. The space between each run involved getting the grocery shopping done, allowing heart rate and perceived exertion to reach normal levels. One Garmin Forerunner™ watch measured physiological outcomes (heart rate [HR] and percentage heart rate maximum [%HRMax]). Distance, time to complete and pace was also recorded using the watch. Rating of perceived exertion was measured on a scale of 0 (as easy as sleeping) to 10 (exhausting).

Results: The two runs were successfully completed with baby and pram in situ, as well as 100% adherence to face mask use for the grocery shopping break and second run. The first run (no mask) was completed in 20min 5s, at a pace of 7:27min/km and an average HR of 117bpm (62%HRMax). Perceived exertion was documented as 4/10. The second run (mask in situ) was completed in 21min 7s, at a pace of 7:41min/km and an average HR of 122bpm (65%HRMax). Perceived exertion was documented as 9/10. Nil serious adverse events were recorded, but the participant was quoted as saying the second run was “bloody hard”.

Conclusion: Wearing a face mask makes running with a pram harder both objectively and subjectively. It remains unclear what effect the work meeting had. Overall, it can be concluded that wearing a mask can make participating in moderate-high intensity activities like running harder, and that mothers can multitask like pros.

*defined as faster than a walk


We made it! Running in a mask is hard.

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  1. Usman AwaisApril 3, 2021 at 8:18 PM

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