To Mask or Not to Mask-Evaluation of Cognitive Performance in Children Wearing Face Masks during School Lessons (MasKids).

ABSTRACT: In the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, wearing a face mask is mandatory again during school lessons. There are no controlled studies in children to date indicating an effect on cognitive performance from wearing face masks. In a randomized controlled trial, we analysed the influence of face masks on cognitive performance of pupils during regular school lessons. Pupils (n = 133, fifth to seventh grade) were randomized by alternating allocation into control (with masks, n = 65) and intervention groups (without mask, n = 68). After two school lessons with (control) and without (intervention) face masks in class, all pupils performed digital tests for cognitive performance regarding attention and executive functions (switch, Corsi block-tapping, 2-back and flanker task). Overall, there were no si

SUBMITTER: Schlegtendal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8774884 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature