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

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has suggested that the physical demands of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are relatively low. However, the subjects studied have generally been of a young age. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis, in null form, that the physiological responses to the performance of single operator CPR for 10 min are independent of age. Confirmation of the hypothesis would allow the use of a period of time performing CPR as a socially non-discriminatory means of testing ability across a wide spectrum of age. DESIGN: 33 St. John Operations Branch members (a sample of convenience), aged between 18 and 65 years, were examined whilst performing 10 min of single operator CPR on a manikin at St. John Ambulance Headquarters, Adelaide, South Australia. Heart rate and cardiac rhythm were monitored continuously. Blood pressure was recorded at baseline and the end of the 3rd, 6th and 9th min of CPR. Subjects also rated their perceived level of activity using the 15-point Borg rating scale every 3 min and at the end of the test. RESULTS: The calculated rate-pressure product did not vary significantly with age, either at rest or in response to performing CPR. The rate-pressure product increased significantly (P < 0.05) whilst performing CPR. There was no effect of age on the perceived level of exertion, which also increased significantly during CPR as compared with rest. CONCLUSION: There was no significant effect of age on the physiological responses to the performance of 10 min of single operator CPR in this select group.

Trunk muscle performance in early Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Altered trunk function has been observed in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). SUBJECTS: This study investigated the trunk function of people with PD, as compared with people without PD. METHODS: Range of motion (against 1 N.m of resistance), isometric torque, and isoinertial performance against moderate resistance were assessed using an Isostation B-200. RESULTS: Group effects between the subjects with PD and the subjects without PD were found for all variables. Range of motion into extension and maximum and average isometric torque in the directions of extension and right rotation showed group effects between subjects classified as being in Hoehn and Yahr stage I and subjects classified as being in Hoehn and Yahr stage II. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: People with PD exhibit less axial range of motion and isometric and isoinertial ability compared with persons without PD. There is a loss of the ability to extend the trunk early in the disease. These findings suggest the importance of further investigation into the role of strengthening programs soon after a diagnosis of PD in order to potentially delay changes in trunk function and subsequent functional difficulties.