[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/07\/do-training-masks-really-work\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/07\/do-training-masks-really-work\/","headline":"Do Training Masks Really Work?","name":"Do Training Masks Really Work?","description":"Training masks are a hot new tool for many professional athletes, but are they actually effective? Learn more about their risks and benefits.","datePublished":"2018-07-02","dateModified":"2021-01-11","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","name":"Sports Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/sports-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/training-mask.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/training-mask.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/07\/do-training-masks-really-work\/","about":["Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":419,"keywords":["exercise","sports medicine"],"articleBody":"Updated January 11, 2021Professional athletes often wear training masks during workouts, but do they really work?Also known as altitude and elevation masks, these products are said to give your exercise regimen a boost. However, their effectiveness as training tools has yet to be proven.Consult your doctor before taking up a new training regimen or using new equipment. For more information, visit UPMC Sports Medicine.Training MasksIf you’ve seen someone wearing a training mask, you probably wondered what it is \u2014 and why anyone would wear it. Training masks, also known as elevation masks or altitude masks, are worn by professional athletes and novices.\u00a0These masks, which cover your mouth and nose, cut down on the amount of oxygen you take in while exercising.Using the mask when training forces your heart and lungs to work harder. When you remove the mask for a race or game, your body uses oxygen more efficiently. Fans of altitude masks claim that using them can improve speed, endurance, and strength.Supposed Benefits of Elevation Training MasksThis concept is based on the fact that some athletes, especially distance runners, train at higher altitudes. Altitude training is believed to increase your body’s red blood cell count, allegedly giving you a temporary performance boost when you return to sea level.What the Science Says About Elevation Training MasksDo training masks really work, though? And are there any real benefits to using elevation training masks? So far, research results are mixed.A study published in the Journal of Sports Science Medicine looked at the effects of altitude training masks on 24 athletes. Researchers found that these 12 athletes experienced improvements in respiration (breathing) compared to those who didn’t use training masks.Other studies, however, haven’t found any benefits from wearing training masks. In a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed that wearing an elevation training mask while lifting weights was associated with decreased alertness and a lower ability to focus on the task.At best, training masks might help you breathe more efficiently, but it’s still unclear if or how that might improve athletic performance.Risks of Altitude MasksKeep in mind that wearing an altitude mask might cause you to hyperventilate or even faint, due to its restrictive breathing. People who have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular problems should avoid using training masks.Consult your doctor before taking up a new training regimen or using new equipment. For more information, visit UPMC Sports Medicine."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Do Training Masks Really Work?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/07\/do-training-masks-really-work\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]