61 To determine the change in exertional capacity while wearing a variable number of surgical face masks while undergoing an exercise tolerance test

61 Figure 1Time to maximum exertion of each participant when exercising with one, three or five masks[Figure omitted. See PDF]ConclusionLittle evidence exists so far comparing exercise effort with different thickness of facemasks. This study shows that for this sample there is no statistically significant change in exertional effort while wearing either one, three or five surgical masks. This study is limited by the sample size and that all subjects were fit, healthy males. However, it offers a basis for further primary research.