Using the ability to perform CPR as a standard of fitness: a considerationof the influence of aging on the physiological responses of a select groupof first aiders performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objective: Previous research has suggested that the physical demands of:per forming cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are relatively low. However, th e subjects studied have generally been of a young age. The aim of this stud y was to test the hypothesis, in null form, that the physiological response s to the performance of single operator CPR for 10 min are independent of a ge. Confirmation of the hypothesis would allow the use of a period of time performing CPR as a socially non-discriminatory means of testing ability ac ross a wide spectrum of age. Design: 33 St. John Operations Branch members (a sample of convenience), aged between 18 and 65 years, were examined whil st performing 10 min of single operator CPR on a manikin at St. John Ambula nce Headquarters, Adelaide, South Australia. Heart rate and cardiac rhythm were monitored continuously. Blood pressure was recorded at baseline and th e end of the 3rd, 6th and 9th min of CPR. Subjects also rated their perceiv ed level of activity using the 15-point Borg rating scale every 3 min and a t the end of the test. Results: The calculated rate-pressure product did no t vary significantly with age, either at rest or in response to performing CPR. The rate-pressure product increased significantly (P < 0.05) whilst pe rforming CPR. There was no effect of age on the perceived level of exertion , which also increased significantly during CPR as compared with rest. Conc lusion: There was no significant effect of age an the physiological respons es to the performance of 10 min of single operator CPR in this select group . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.