Sufferers of cardiac arrests at traditional fitness facilities have a higher chance of survival than at other indoor locations, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

It's thought the findings are in part down to earlier access to CPR equipment and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The study observed the frequency, treatment and outcomes of sudden cardiac arrests at both traditional and alternative exercise facilities. Data was provided from 849 sudden cardiac arrests that occurred in such facilities in Seattle and King County, Washington between 1996 and 2008.

Locations were categorised as being traditional (health clubs and fitness centres), alternative exercise facilities (bowling alleys, workplace or hotel gyms, dance studios) and non-exercise facilities (banks, retail centres, restaurants).

Of the 849 cardiac arrests, 52 occurred at traditional facilities, 84 at alternative centres and 713 at non-exercise facilities. Survival rates showed that 56 per cent of people were likely to survive at traditional fitness facilities, whereas those who suffered sudden cardiac arrests at non-traditional or non-exercise facilities faced 45 and 34 per cent chances of survival respectively.

“Our findings should encourage broader implementation of and adherence to recommendations for AED placement and sudden cardiac arrest response protocols at traditional exercise facilities,” said Richard L. Page, MD, FACC, lead author of the study and chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

“In addition, these standards should be extended to alternative fitness facilities, where sudden cardiac arrest incidence is comparable to that seen at traditional exercise facilities.”