The impact of rhythm perception on chest compression rate during CPR: Insights from a pilot simulation study

This pilot study aims to assess how individuals with rhythm perception, particularly musicians, are able to maintain the predefined chest compression rate during cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to people without rhythm perception.

The study was conducted at the Pilsen Emergency Medicine Conference (Czechia) using a simulation-based cohort design. Participants performed chest compressions on a manikin for 120 s, with the first 10 s guided by a metronome. Participants were grouped based on self-reported rhythmic perception, such as playing a musical instrument. The primary outcome was the average chest compression rate per minute.

A total of 67 participants were included. Both groups provided chest compression rate within the recommended limits. Musicians maintained a better chest compression rate (mean 110.56 compressions per minute) compared to nonmusicians (mean 107.31; T-test, p = 0.00074). Those with any rhythmic perception experience also performed better (T-test, p = 0.036931). Secondary factors, including gender, clinical experience, and prior resuscitation training, did not significantly affect the results.

This study demonstrates that individuals with rhythm perception, especially musicians, follow the predefined frequency of chest compressions more effectively.