Effects of wearing a surgical face mask on cognitive functioning and mood states: a randomised controlled trial in young adults.

ABSTRACT: Despite significant public concerns voiced about wearing face masks and reports from healthcare workers of adverse effects on cognition, research into potential adverse effects remains limited. The present trial investigated the effects of wearing a surgical face mask for prolonged periods on cognitive functioning and mood. We tested 42 university students (18-36 years old) using a controlled counterbalanced crossover design that involved a mask session and a control session, separated by 1 week. The two sessions were identical except that on the day of the mask session, participants were asked to wear a surgical mask for at least 8 h and to continue wearing it while visiting our laboratory, during which cognitive performance and mood were assessed as per the control session. Results showe

SUBMITTER: Nasrollahi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11897070 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature