Performance of a Dual-Sensor Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Feedback System in Estimating Compression Depth and Rate During Simulated Chest Compressions

This study evaluated the performance of a dual-sensor cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback system in estimating chest compression depth and rate over a range of depth and rate combinations during rigid and compliant surface conditions using a computer-controlled motion system to simulate chest compressions. Ten dual-sensor CPR pads were tested using a computer-controlled motion system which simulated chest compressions at target depths of 1.9, 3.8, 4.8, 6.4, and 8.9 cm and target rates of 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 compressions per minute (cpm). A rigid surface was simulated by applying motion only to the anterior sensor, and a compliant surface was simulated by applying motion to both the anterior and posterior sensor, challenging the algorithm to calculate a net compression depth by subtracting motion of the posterior sensor. For all simulated compressions, including every rate and depth combination and for both rigid and compliant surface simulations, the mean (±sd) depth error was 0.05 (±0.08) cm and the rate error was −0.55 (±1.44) cpm. A dual-sensor CPR system accurately estimates compression depth within ±0.25 cm and compression rate within ±3 cpm over a wide range and combination of clinically relevant chest compression depths and rates during both rigid and compliant surface simulations. Use of a computer-controlled motion system provides a more direct assessment of accuracy than manual compressions performed on instrumented manikins.