title: The evaluation of upper body muscle activity during the performance of external chest compressions in simulated hypogravity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This original study evaluated the electromyograph (EMG) activity of four upper body muscles: triceps brachii, erector spinae, upper rectus abdominis, and pectoralis major, while external chest compressions (ECCs) were performed in simulated Martian hypogravity using a Body Suspension Device, counterweight system, and standard full body cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) mannequin.
  
  
  METHODS
  20 young, healthy male subjects were recruited. One hundred compressions divided into four sets, with roughly six seconds between each set to indicate 'ventilation', were performed within approximately a 1.5 minute protocol. Chest compression rate, depth and number were measured along with the subject's heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All mean values were used in two-tailed t-tests using SPSS to compare +1 Gz values (control) versus simulated hypogravity values. The AHA (2005) compression standards were maintained in hypogravity. RPE and HR increased by 32% (p<0.001) and 44% (p=0.002), respectively, when ECCs were performed during Mars simulation, in comparison to +1 Gz. In hypogravity, the triceps brachii showed significantly less activity (p<0.001) when compared with the other three muscles studied. The comparison of all the other muscles showed no difference at +1 Gz or in hypogravity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study was among the first of its kind, however several limitations were faced which hopefully will not exist in future studies. Evaluation of a great number of muscles will allow space crews to focus on specific strengthening exercises within their current training regimes in case of a serious cardiac event in hypogravity.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rebecca G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Krygiel
authors.affiliation: Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Abigail B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Waye
authors.affiliation: John Ernsting Aerospace Physiology Lab, Microgravity Centre, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rafael Reimann
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Baptista
authors.affiliation: John Ernsting Aerospace Physiology Lab, Microgravity Centre, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gustavo Sandri
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Heidner
authors.affiliation: Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; John Ernsting Aerospace Physiology Lab, Microgravity Centre, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Electronic address: lukirehnberg@googlemail.com.
authors.forename: Lucas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rehnberg
authors.affiliation: Centre of Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; John Ernsting Aerospace Physiology Lab, Microgravity Centre, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
authors.forename: Thais
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Russomano
keywords: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Electromyography; Hypogravity