Differences in the Effect of Chest Compressions Depending on the Hardness beneath the Body Surface: for a Life-saving Exercises of Nursing Students

Abstract

Chest compressions were performed on 46 nursing students while these students lay on the floor, a bed, and a backboard put on a bed, which all produce a different hardness beneath the body surface, and differences in compression depth, number of compressions, and appropriate decompression rate for compressions were compared in order to develop educational suggestions for examining the impact of nursing students on chest compressions. The results showed a significant difference in compression depth due to variation in hardness beneath the body surface depending on whether the compressions were performed on the floor or a backboard on a bed. Furthermore, differences between the sexes were seen in compression depth and decompression rate. Male students showed a deep compression depth and low decompression rate, whereas female students showed a shallow compression depth and high decompression rate. These findings suggest the importance of chest compression exercises and training that take into account sex-related differences in compression depth, as well as the need for an approach to correct physical characteristics and posture during compressions.