Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Health Sciences and Management, cilt.5, sa.2, ss.59-63, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Introduction: The clinical course of beta thalassemia minor is usually asymptomatic with mild anemia. The pandemic proportions of infectious diseases in the last century have made the use of medical masks a part of life. In addition to the protective effects of the mask, the literature has also examined the possible problems and negativities that may arise due to mask use. In this case, the effect of mask use on lower extremity endurance, exercise capacity and personal comfort level in a patient diagnosed with beta thalassemia minor will be examined.
Case: She is 21 years old, 1.7 m tall and weighs 46 kg. She performed the 30-second sit to stand test (30STS) to measure lower extremity endurance, the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) to measure maximal exercise capacity, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to measure submaximal exercise capacity at 10-day intervals, one day unmasked and one day masked, respectively. Exercise-related parameters were collected before and after the tests. The mask comfort of the patient was also questioned. While the number of 30STS repetitions was not affected by mask use, the ISWT and 6MWT distance decreased. While there was no negative effect of the mask on exercise-related parameters, it was determined that she felt discomfort related to the use of the mask.
Conclusion: The use of a medical mask does not affect lower limb endurance but may adversely affect exercise capacity in people with beta-thalassemia minor. In this context, it may be useful to design studies involving more participants.