Performance sports masks are used
to improve the functioning of lungs in order to improve the performance of a
sports man. Performance sports masks are getting very popular all across the
US. They help improve breathing power so that athletes who perform activities
such as running, heavy weight lifting or do yoga and other core exercises can
improve their performance and fitness.
How do performance sports mask function: -?
The mask functions by stimulating
altitude and inducing a normobaric hypoxic condition. By increasing the carbon
dioxide level inside the mask it induces re-breathing improving oxygen
exchange. The mask makes pH levels in the body to rise to facilitate the oxygen
molecule to carry greater amounts of oxygen. It also makes the waste product and
lactic acid move out of the body hence cleansing the functioning of body. As
the lactic acid is removed energy levels increase. Not just that, the mask can
be readjusted to limit the increasing levels of oxygen in order to give the
high altitude training effect. This helps improve aerobic endurance. Wearing
this mask athletes need not to go to high altitude places for training
sessions.
Benefits of performance sports mask: -
Performance sports mask are
created to provide great benefits to athletes who do rigorous exercises to
improve their performance. By controlling oxygen levels the mask stimulates
high altitude training. This saves a lot of time and money as the athletes do
not have to spend money on high altitude chambers or make trips to Rocky Mountains.
The mask is a cost effective substitute for high altitude training.
The mask tends to improve
respiratory muscle performance by increasing cellular oxidative adaptations
which could lead to a delayed onset o metabolic acidosis. As a result, lower blood
lactate during exercise and the reduced perception of respiratory effort tends
to lead to an improved physical performance. Thus the mask is intended to
improve the breathing muscles capabilities.
The inadequate ventilation caused
by the mask by increasing carbon dioxide levels in the mask leads to an
increase in the perceived exertion as the wearer trains. This leads to increase
in stamina and endurance which are key factors for athletic performance.
The reduced oxygen levels in the
mask lead to adaptations to an enhanced buffering capacity. This is said to
increase the strength and power of the wearer which helps him perform better in
sporting events.
The mask is also useful for
professionals who do martial arts. It helps them in developing efficient
breathing technique by making the respiratory system used to of lower oxygen
levels.
Limitations of performance sports mask: -
Feasibility of performance sports
mask and their usefulness cannot be comletelty established at this point in
time. a lot of research and investigation is required so as to confirm the
safety of product as it is used for the intended purpose. The research is
required to establish the long term impact on health and cardiorespiratory
functioning. Apart from this, a clearer picture is needed to determine the link
between the mask and athletic performance variables such as power, strength and
endurance. Research needs to objectively indicate how the performance variables
are enhanced by the specific features of the mask. Furthermore, it needs to be
made clear as to what kind of sports professionals and athelets in particular
shall benefit from the mask. Most of the claims of benefits of performance
sports mask are made by the marketing department of the manufacturing
companies. Therefore greater amount of research to validate the aerobic and
anaerobic benefits of altitude training at sea level with the help of a
performance sports mask is needed.
