Research Article: Assessing the impact of diverse mask types on COPD patients: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Abstract:
Introduction Wearing masks has proven beneficial in preventing respiratory pathogen infections in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the impact of different mask types on physiological indicators and daily physical activity in COPD patients remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the immediate effects of various mask types on cardiopulmonary function indicators, subjective perceptions and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) in individuals with COPD. Methods and analysis This randomised controlled trial will enrol 129 stable COPD patients. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups: control, N95 mask and surgical mask groups. Each group will undergo both a 6-minute seated test and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), without or with their respective masks. A 10-minute interval will be provided between the two phases. The primary indicators of the study include the 6MWD and blood oxygen saturation. Secondary outcomes encompass blood pressure, pulse rate, Borg score, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) score and subjective perception score. Oxygen saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure will be recorded four times during the trial, while Borg and RPE scores will be compared before and after the 6MWT. Additionally, subjective perception scores will be collected after each mask-wearing stage. Ethics and dissemination This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 202335). We plan to disseminate research results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at a conference. Trial registration number ChiCTR2300074554.
Introduction:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stands as a prevalent, preventable and treatable chronic airway ailment marked by persistent airflow limitation and associated respiratory symptoms. The pathology primarily involves airway or alveolar abnormalities. 1 Despite the complex and not fully elucidated pathogenesis, environmental factors such as tobacco, fuel smoke and air pollution constitute common risk factors for the disease. 2 According to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study…
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