The influence of N95 and FFP2 masks on cardiorespiratory variables in healthy individuals during aerobic exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the objective of this study was to determine, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, whether the use of N95/FFP2 masks during aerobic exercise has a significant impact on HR, RR, SpO2, and blood pressure (BP) in healthy individuals.

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE database for studies published in English between 2005 and 2021. To reduce bias and increase reliability, only randomized controlled trials and randomized crossover clinical trials were considered for inclusion.