Does Surgical Mask Use Affect the Balance and Mobility in Elementary School Children?

Abstract

Health experts and institutions recommend face coverings for kids above the age of 2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of wearing surgical masks on functional movement and stability in primary school-aged children. A sample of sixty healthy elementary school children aged between 9-12 were recruited. The variables of the study were six minutes walking test (6 MWT), 30-second sit to stand test, single leg stance test (SLST) and a dyspnea assessment. All assessments were contrasted between the two testing scenarios [wearing a surgical mask (SM) and not wearing a mask (NM)]. A statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the 6 MWT (p=0.00) and the 30-second sitto- stand test (p=0.00) outcomes for both NM and SM situations. There was no significant difference in SLST between testing conditions (p>0.05). Also, the rating of perceived dyspnea values with the mask was significantly greater than the test condition without a mask (p<0.05). The use of a mask can cause differences in performance.

Keywords

• 30-Seconds Sit to Stand Test
• Six Minutes Walking Test
• Single Leg Stance Test
• Surgical Mask

İlkokul Çocuklarında Cerrahi Maske Kullanımı Denge ve Mobiliteyi Etkiler Mi?

Abstract

Halk sağlığı uzmanları ve kuruluşları, COVID-19 sırasında 2 yaşından büyük çocuklar için evrensel maske kullanımını önermektedir. Bu çalışma, ilkokul çocuklarında cerrahi maske kullanımının fonksiyonel hareket ve denge üzerine etkilerini belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Yaşları 9-12 arasında değişen altmış sağlıklı ilkokul çocuğu çalışmaya dahil edildi. Çalışmada fonksiyonellik için altı dakika yürüme testi ve 30 saniye otur kalk testi, denge değerlendirmesi için tek ayak üstünde durma testi (SLST) ve nefes darlığı için Vizüel Analog Skalası (VAS) kullanıldı. Tüm değerlendirmeler cerrahi maskeli ve maskesiz olarak karşılaştırıldı. Altı dakika yürüme testi (p=0.00) ve 30 saniye otur kalk testi (p=0.00) sonuçları incelendiğinde, maskeli ve maskesiz durumları arasında istatistiksel olarak fark vardı. SLST test koşulları arasındaki değerler birbirine benzerdi (p>0.05). Ayrıca, maske ile algılanan dispne değerlerinin derecesi, maskesiz test koşulundan daha yüksekti (p<0.05). Maske kullanımı performans parametrelerinde değişikliklere neden olabilir.

Keywords

• 30 Saniye Otur Kalk Testi
• Altı Dakika Yürüme Testi
• Cerrahi Maske
• Tek Ayak Üstünde Durma Testi

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