The Impact of Downbeat Fit-CPR Music on Compression Rate During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation by Undergraduate Students: A Randomised Controlled Trial

A musical metronome is one method to assist the public in performing optimal chest compressions. This study evaluated the influence of innovative downbeat Fit-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) music versus no music on guiding laypersons to perform high-quality CPR. A randomised controlled trial was conducted among non-medical undergraduate students in Klang Valley, comparing a Fit-CPR music group (intervention) to standard CPR training (control). The intervention group received 90 minutes of hands-only CPR training, including a lecture, video presentation and three rounds of CPR practice with facilitators while listening to music. The control group underwent the same training without music. Primary outcomes included chest compression-associated components (rate, depth, recoil) and non-compression components (safety, response, help, breathing check, hand placement). A total of 53 students participated, with 27 (50.9%) in the intervention and 26 (49.1%) in the control group. Both groups showed significant improvement post-training (p < 0.001). The intervention group outperformed the control in compression and non-compression components (p = 0.008, p = 0.031). A significant association was found between the intervention and compression rate (p < 0.001), with 96.3% achieving the target rate compared to 53.8% in the control. However, no significant association was found for compression depth or recoil (p = 1.000, p = 0.498). This study demonstrates that Fit-CPR music helps laypersons to sustain the American Heart Association-recommended chest compression rate, highlighting its potential as an effective CPR training aid.