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INTRODUCTION Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in microgravity is challenging. There are three single-person CPR techniques that can be performed in microgravity: the Evetts-Russomano (ER), Handstand (HS), and Reverse Bear Hug (RBH). All three methods have been evaluated in parabolic flights, but only the ER method has been shown to be effective in prolonged microgravity simulation. All three methods of CPR have yet to be evaluated using the current 2010 guidelines. METHODS There were 23 male subjects who were recruited to perform simulated terrestrial CPR (+1 G(z)) and the three microgravity CPR methods for four sets of external chest compressions (ECC). To simulate microgravity, the subjects used a body suspension device (BSD) and trolley system. True depth (D(T)), ECC rate, and oxygen consumption (Vo2) were measured. RESULTS The mean (+/- SD) D(T) for the ER (37.4 +/- 1.5 mm) and RBH methods (23.9 +/- 1.4 mm) were significantly lower than +1 G(z) CPR. However, both methods attained an ECC rate that met the guidelines (105.6 +/- 0.8; 101.3 +/- 1.5 compressions/min). The HS method achieved a superior D(T) (49.3 +/- 1.2 mm), but a poor ECC rate (91.9 +/- 2.2 compressions/min). Vo2 for ER and HS was higher than +1 Gz; however, the RBH was not. CONCLUSION All three methods have merit in performing ECC in simulated microgravity; the ER and RBH have adequate ECC rates, and the HS method has adequate D(T). However, all methods failed to meet all criteria for the 2010 guidelines. Further research to evaluate the most effective method of CPR in microgravity is needed.

Introduction: Studies were conducted to evaluate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a simulated low gravitational field, such as Mars (hypoG), aimed at providing an insight into the performance of terrestrial CPR. Methods: Two studies were conducted to evaluate external chest compressions (ECC) depth and rate, as well as perceived exertion (RPE) and the physiological cost, when 4 sets of 30 ECCs were performed on a standard CPR mannequin for 1.5min during Mars simulation, using terrestrial (1Gz) as control. The first study (n=20; 2005 guidelines) also evaluated the electromyographic (EMG) activity of four muscles (triceps brachii, erector spinae, upper rectus abdominis, pectoralis major). The second study (n=30; 2010 guidelines) included range of elbow flexion, minute ventilation (VE) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) measurements. HypoG simulation was achieved using a body suspension device (BSD) and a counterweight system. Results: In both studies, subjects successfully performed ECCs at 1Gz and hypoG. In the first study, therewere increases from 1Gz values of 32% (p

Background Current 2010 terrestrial (1Gz) CPR guidelines have been advocated by space agencies for hypogravity and microgravity environments, but may not be feasible. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate rescuer performance over 1.5 min of external chest compressions (ECCs) during simulated Martian hypogravity (0.38Gz) and microgravity (μG) in relation to 1Gz and rest baseline and (2) compare the physiological costs of conducting ECCs in accordance with the 2010 and 2005 CPR guidelines. Methods Thirty healthy male volunteers, ranging from 17 to 30 years, performed four sets of 30 ECCs for 1.5 min using the 2010 and 2005 ECC guidelines during 1Gz, 0.38Gz and μG simulations (Evetts-Russomano (ER) method), achieved by the use of a body suspension device. ECC depth and rate, range of elbow flexion, post-ECC heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Results All volunteers completed the study. Mean ECC rate was achieved for all gravitational conditions, but true depth during simulated microgravity was not sufficient for the 2005 (28.5 ± 7.0 mm) and 2010 (32.9 ± 8.7 mm) guidelines, even with a mean range of elbow flexion of 15°. HR, VE and VO2peak increased to an average of 136 ± 22 bpm, 37.5 ± 10.3 L·min−1, 20.5 ± 7.6 mL·kg−1·min−1 for 0.38Gz and 161 ± 19 bpm, 58.1 ± 15.0 L·min−1, 24.1 ± 5.6 mL·kg−1·min−1 for μG from a baseline of 84 ± 15 bpm, 11.4 ± 5.9 L·min−1, 3.2 ± 1.1 mL·kg−1·min-1, respectively. RPE was the only variable to increase with the 2010 guidelines. Conclusion No additional physiological cost using the 2010 basic life support (BLS) guidelines was needed for healthy males performing ECCs for 1.5 min, independent of gravitational environment. This cost, however, increased for each condition tested when the two guidelines were compared. Effective ECCs were not achievable for both guidelines in simulated μG using the ER BLS method. This suggests that future implementation of an ER BLS in a simulated μG instruction programme as well as upper arm strength training is required to perform effective BLS in space.