Open AccessThe Physiological Impact of Masking Is Insignificant and Should Not Preclude Routine Use During Daily Activities, Exercise, and Rehabilitation
Author(s) -
Rebecca Haraf,
Mark A. Faghy,
Brian Carlin,
Richard Josephson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1932-751X
pISSN - 1932-7501
DOI - 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000577
Subject(s) - medicine , masking (illustration) , rehabilitation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , art , visual arts
Masking has been employed as a strategy for reducing transmission of a variety of communicable diseases. With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, many countries have implemented mandatory public masking. However, the perceived impact of mask use on pulmonary function has been a deterrent to public compliance with recommendations. COVID-19 has shed light on the impact that comorbid cardiac and pulmonary conditions may have on disease severity. This knowledge has led to increased primary and secondary prevention efforts for which exercise and rehabilitation are central. The importance of safe methods of exercise while mitigating risk of viral transmission is paramount to global recovery from the pandemic and prevention of future outbreaks.