Background: People began to wear face masks during physical activities due to spread of COVID-19. There are no previous studies about the need for wearing masks while running.
Methods: Assuming a citizen runner who runs full marathon in 4 hours, we verified the path and the amount of droplet dispersal, setting a humanoid mannequin with a mask in simulated running environment (Experiment 1). We also had six adults exercise in the same environment to examine droplet behaviors when not wearing a face mask (Experiment 2). Average droplet size was determined, and repeated measures ANOVA was carried out to examine statistical significance. To evaluate observed droplet behaviors, theoretical solutions of the downfall motion of large droplets were then derived, taking air resistance into consideration.
Results: Experiment 1: wearing a face mask caused more droplets to adhere to the face; Experiment 2: droplets were emitted in conversation, coughing or sneezing, and they fell within social distancing. Average droplet size was not sensitive to the wind velocity. It could vary with a significant difference for time and wind velocity. Observed velocity and path of droplet can be expressed by the theoretical solutions.
Conclusions: Velocity and path of large droplets can be expressed by the theoretical solution of particles in downfall motion under air resistance. We therefore conclude that wearing a mask while running gives adverse effects in preventing infection. Possibility of droplet transmission while running is considered low even when not wearing a face mask, as long as social distancing is ensured.