Impact of the Elevation Training Mask in CrossFit® Post-SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

University of Valladolid20 enrolled

Overview

Introduction: The Elevation Training Mask (ETM) could restore respiratory or hematological organic damages from the acute or post-infection phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) because it would allow the application of hypoxia and respiratory muscle training during exercise. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the respiratory and hematological parameters and performance of athletes who resume CrossFit® training using the ETM with respect to a control group (CG). Material and methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial, following the CONSORT ("Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials") recommendations, 20 trained male athletes were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) using the ETM and to a CG using the simulated ETM, they completed 12 weeks of CrossFit® training after 1 month of the cessation of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Pre- and post-training tests included spirometric, hematological, and sports performance assessment.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

COVID19- Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Virus SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients

Interventions

Elevation Training MaskDEVICE

The Elevation Training Mask (ETM) 2.0 was used in all 36 training sessions over the 12 weeks of the study with progressive increases in air restriction to simulate altitude training. This methodology of using ETM during exercise was chosen following the study by Porcari et al. The first week, the additional altitude simulation was 914 m and in the second, 1,829 m. These initial 2 weeks served to adjust the use of the ETM during training, as a process of acclimatization to the altitude simulation and airflow restriction. For the period between weeks 3 and 6 (both inclusive) the simulated altitude was 2,743 m, and for weeks 7-12 (both inclusive), the ETM was set to simulate 3658 m altitude.

Sham Elevation Training MaskDEVICE

For the Control Group, the Elevation Training Mask (ETM) 2.0 was used for 12 weeks with the largest openings available and without using the air restriction filters, so that there was little respiratory obstruction and the reduction in air flow was minimal, with the aim of having a simulated ETM treatment

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 50 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Male aged 18 to 50 years. * Autonomy in training activities of CrossFit® programs, at least 1 month after the cessation of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection -2 infection. * No hospitalization for COVID-19. * Autonomy in training activities of CrossFit® programs, at least 1 month after the cessation of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, to avoid residual effects of the disease and increase the safety of the athlete. * ≥20 months of experience training CrossFit®. * ≥2 participations in CrossFit® competitions in the last season. * Having completed Fran WODs ≤ 250 seconds before suffering from COVID-19. - Passing a complete pre-study medical examination to rule out pre-existing diseases or injuries, insisting particularly on the cardio-pulmonary examination.-- No consumption of illegal drugs according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) (stimulants, blood derivatives, anabolic) or take drugs (e.g. tramadol) or other ergogenic products. * Be informed about all possible risks or discomforts and benefits associated with the study and sign the informed consent form;. * Health sports insurance coverage. Exclusion Criteria: * Included any renal dysfunction, recent febrile illness, lower limb trauma or any history of muscle injury. * SARS-CoV-2 reinfection during the study. * Recent exposure to an altitude stimulus or hypoxia, except for the altitude of their usual residence (1063 m in Soria and 798 m in Salamanca). * Participants were also prevented to perform any intense physical activity outside the designed training protocol throughout the study and encouraged to follow the dietary instructions provided.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP)

Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) evaluation in centimeters of water (cmH2O). MIP is a measure of the strength of inspiratory muscles, primarily the diaphragm, and allows for the assessment of ventilatory failure, restrictive lung disease and respiratory muscle strength.