The Usage of Medical Mask During Brisk Walking Increases Salivary Cortisol Levels and Has A Negative Correlation to Physical Fitness

July Ivone, Stella Tinia Hasianna, Grace Young, Evelyn Calista

Abstract


Most health organizations recommend that people should wear masks when conducting outdoor physical activities, including exercise, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the effect of using a medical mask during brisk walking on salivary cortisol levels and its correlation with physical fitness. The study used experimental, analytical, and quantitative methodologies. Twenty-eight male subjects, aged 17-25 with a normal BMI, participated in this study. The measured data were salivary cortisol hormone levels and physical fitness index after performing brisk walking with and without using a medical mask. Salivary cortisol levels were measured after carrying out exercise using the ELISA and Delta Biologicals Salivary Cortisol kit. Physical fitness was evaluated using the Harvard Step-Up Test. Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon test. A correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the physical fitness index and changes in cortisol levels. After using a medical mask, the average cortisol level was 23.53 ng/mL, higher than without using a medical mask, which was 11.35 ng/mL (p=0.000). The correlation test results showed a significance value of 0.029 and a Pearson Correlation value of -0.414. Physical fitness correlated negatively with increased salivary cortisol levels during brisk walking using a medical mask. Medical mask is an important preventive measure in high-risk situations for airborne disease transmission. However, alternative safety measures may be more appropriate to be applied during moderate-intensity physical exercises, such as choosing outdoor locations with safe social distancing.

Keywords


cortisol, exercise, medical mask, physical fitness index

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jpjo.v9i2.74143

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