Potential adverse effects of face mask use on cardiopulmonary function and thermoregulation in robotic stroke rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to the implementation of wearing face masks and social distancing in stroke rehabilitation to prevent airborne transmission and contain the virus. The use of masks causes hypoxia and dyspnea in patients with stroke, predisposing them to other harmful medical conditions. Despite the clinical importance of the potential risk of wearing masks during robotic stroke rehabilitation, no clinical evidence is available in the literature.