The use of mental metronomes during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation training

To evaluate the effect of a mental metronome on chest compression rate at the point of training and 10 weeks later.

A prospective observational study was performed using veterinary students without training in CPR. Students received a lecture and demonstration of CPR. The "Song group" (SG) listened to "Stayin' Alive" performed by the Bee Gees and were asked to think about the tempo during chest compressions. The "No Song group" (NSG) was given no guidance on achieving the correct chest compression rate. After the demonstration, both groups were instructed to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute on a canine manikin, and the actual rate of compressions administered was calculated (Assessment 1). This task was repeated approximately 10 weeks later (Assessment 2).

Eighteen students were in the SG and 12 in the NSG. Seventy-eight percent of the SG performed chest compressions between 90 and 110 per minute during Assessment 1, compared with 50% during Assessment 2. The NSG had an 8% success rate at both assessments. Compression rate variance did not change in in either group over time.

Mental metronomes are valuable teaching tools that can help students to perform chest compressions at the recommended rate.