Glove device teaches laypeople how to deliver CPR effectively

A novel wearable glove device provides visual and acoustic guidance that can help nonhealthcare professionals effectively perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), according to a recent study.

“Even if technical improvements and further studies are needed to confirm these promising results, our innovative approach could potentially improve the efficacy of CPR provided by laypersons, therefore improving the clinical outcomes of victims of sudden cardiac arrest,” the researcher said.

The current single-blind controlled trial included 130 nonhealthcare volunteers (mean age 36 years, 48 percent men) who were asked to perform simulated CPR on an electronic mannequin. Half were given the wearable glove device while the other half were designated as no-glove controls. The primary outcome of interest was the accuracy of depth and frequency of compressions.

Participants in the glove group delivered CPR compressions at a significantly faster rate than controls (mean, 117.67 vs 103.02 rpm; p<0.001). Moreover, while both groups were able to provide an average compression rate above the recommended threshold of 100 rpm, the percentage of compression cycles with such an appropriate rate was significantly higher in the glove group (92.4 percent vs 71 percent; p<0.001). [Front Cardiovasc Med 2021;8:685988]

In contrast, the no-glove controls delivered significantly greater mean compression depth than comparators who were wearing the coaching device (55.17 vs 52.11 mm; p<0.001). The percentage of compressions with inappropriate depths (<5 cm) was likewise significantly lower in the control arm (18.1 percent vs 26.4 percent; p=0.004).

Despite such a difference, participants in the glove group were nevertheless able to provide an adequate mean compression depth.

Notably, performance in the no-glove control group deteriorated over time, with mean compression depth decreasing at an average rate of 5.3 mm/min. Those wearing the glove device showed more consistency in CPR, with a mean reduction over time of 0.83 mm/min (p=0.008).

In absolute terms, after only five cycles of CPR (10 minutes), control participants were delivering significantly lower mean compression depths than their glove comparators (49.87 vs 51.31 mm; p<0.001).

“During the CPR, through an embedded microprocessor, the glove detected depth and frequency applied on the patient’s chest,” the researchers said. “A specific glove-developed algorithm measured frequency and amplitude of each compression through vocal and visual warnings and guided the rescuer throughout the entire CPR procedure, acting as a coach.”

“In this context, acoustic and visual feedback provided by the device coaching system, such as the monitor on the glove, was useful in dictating the correct frequency of compressions to basic life support nonhealthcare providers, translating it into a significantly more accurate CPR,” they added.

Important study limitations include the short duration of CPR tested, the lack of in vivo testing, and the limited array of CPR quality indicators. Moreover, while the novel glove device is already patented, it is still undergoing further testing and development before it can be deployed to the field.