Dominant versus non-dominant hand during simulated infant CPR using the two-finger technique: a randomised study

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Resuscitation
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Background:

• The two-finger technique (TFT) is commonly used for infant CPR.
• Hand dominance may influence CPR performance and fatigue levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of simulated infant CPR (iCPR) using the two-finger technique with the dominant hand (DH) versus the non-dominant hand (NH).
• To assess the impact of hand dominance on iCPR metrics and perceived fatigue.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 24 participants performing 3-minute iCPR sessions.
• Participants alternated between using their DH and NH for iCPR.
• Key metrics included compression depth, rate, residual leaning, and duty cycle.
• Perceived fatigue was measured using a visual analogue scale.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in iCPR performance metrics between DH and NH.
• Compression rate and duty cycle showed significant differences in the latter part of the iCPR duration for both hands.
• Participants reported significantly higher perceived fatigue when using their NH compared to their DH.
• Perceived fatigue correlated with compression rate and residual leaning for the NH, but not the DH.

Conclusions:

• Simulated infant CPR quality is comparable regardless of whether the dominant or non-dominant hand is used.
• Higher perceived fatigue with the non-dominant hand did not compromise the quality of iCPR.
• Healthcare providers can maintain effective infant chest compressions using either hand, even with increased fatigue.