The efficacy of a smartwatch-based haptic metronome in standardising chest compression rate: a crossover simulation...

High-quality chest compressions are crucial for effective resuscitation, yet maintaining the guideline-recommended rate of 100-120 compressions per minute is challenging, particularly in stressful and noisy prehospital environments. Haptic feedback delivered through wearable technology may offer a reliable alternative to auditory cues by providing tactile rhythm guidance.

To evaluate the efficacy of a smartwatch-based haptic feedback system delivering 110 vibrations per minute in improving adherence to the target chest compression rate during simulated adult cardiac arrest, compared with unassisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

In this prospective, experimental, simulation-based crossover study, 80 volunteers (paramedic students, intern physicians, emergency medicine residents, and laypersons; n = 20 each) performed one minute of self-paced chest compressions on a Laerdal Little Anne QCPR manikin and, after a five-minute rest, repeated the task with a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 delivering haptic impulses at 110 bpm. The primary endpoint was the percentage of compressions performed within the 100-120 bpm target range; secondary endpoints were the proportion of participants achieving the target rate and self-reported user experience. The study was designed and is reported in accordance with the Reporting Guidelines for Health Care Simulation Research.

Haptic guidance substantially improved the percentage of compressions within the guideline-recommended 100-120 bpm range. The proportion of participants achieving the target compression rate increased from 45.0% at baseline to 93.75% with smartwatch-assisted feedback (McNemar test, p < 0.001). The mean percentage of compressions delivered within the target range rose from 43.55% during unassisted CPR to 90.71% with haptic guidance, and significant within-group improvements were observed across all four professional cohorts. Participant experience was highly positive: 93.75% endorsed the device for real-world clinical use, 95.00% found it useful for CPR training, and 95.00% expressed willingness to use it again.

A smartwatch-based haptic metronome significantly improved adherence to the guideline-recommended chest compression rate across all experience levels. Given its high user acceptability and resilience to environmental noise, this wearable technology may provide a practical, low-cost adjunct to improve CPR quality in both training and prehospital settings.