OBJECTIVE: The use of masks is one of the measures to protect against the Covid-19 pandemic. The type of mask and how to use it during physical exercise has generated controversy. This work aims to analyse the effect of the use of masks in the practice of high intensity physical exercise. METHODS: An exploratory review was conducted by querying the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and CUIDEN databases RESULTS: Respiratory physiology at rest and performing intense physical exercise was described, explaining how the use of masks during high-intensity physical exercise affects it in relation to gas exchange. CONCLUSIONS: In case of intense physical exercise, the use of masks is not recommended because of the enhancing effect on PCO2. It would not allow the complete expulsion of the expired CO2 and would increase its concentration, along with the typical increase of the breathing rate during the exercise.
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