The Relationship Between Physical Activity and the Quality of Chest Compressions During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a critical intervention in cardiac arrest, and the quality of chest compressions may be related to the physical fitness of the person performing them.Aim. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity level and the quality of chest compressions during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while also considering potential gender differences.Methods. The study included 34 out-of-hospital emergency medical service employees who completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to de- termine their physical activity level. Participants per- formed chest compressions on a simulated manikin for eight minutes, with parameters measured every two minutes. Parameters analyzed included com- pression depth, chest recoil, frequency of compression and overall quality of chest compressions.Results. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between physical activity level and the quality of chest compressions (p<0.001). Participants with higher physical activity levels achieved better results in overall compression quality (p=0.001), compression depth (p=0.009), and frequency (p=0.003). No statistically significant differences were found for chest recoil (p=0.470). Gen- der had no significant effect on overall compression quality, depth, or frequency; however, female participants achieved significantly better results in chest recoil (p=0.034).Conclusion. Physical activity level was significantly associated with the quality of chest compressions, while the effect of gender was limited to specific parameters such as chest recoil. These findings underscore the relevance of physical fitness among emergency medical service personnel in improving CPR performance.