Hough, P., Glaister, M. and Pledger, A. 2017. The Accuracy of Wrist-worn Heart Rate Monitors across a Range of Exercise Intensities. Journal of Physical Activity Research. 2 (2), pp. 112-116. https://doi.org/10.12691/jpar-2-2-8
| Title | The Accuracy of Wrist-worn Heart Rate Monitors across a Range of Exercise Intensities |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Hough, P., Glaister, M. and Pledger, A. |
| Abstract | Commercially available wrist-worn heart rate (HR) monitors have become increasingly popular. However, the accuracy of the devices across a range of exercise intensities is largely unknown. This study investigated the accuracy of four wrist-worn HR monitors (Apple Watch Series 1, Fitbit Charge, TomTom Touch, and Mio Fuse). Eighteen adults completed three trials on a cycle ergometer wearing a chest-worn HR monitor (Polar). Trial 1 established the HR-power output relationship, and resting and maximum HR. In trials 2 and 3, participants were fitted to an electrocardiogram (ECG) and completed a step test consisting of 5 x 3 minute stages at 40 - 80% of HR reserve (determined in trial 1) whilst wearing two wrist-worn HR monitors. Relative to ECG, there were no differences in HR between the devices during exercise (p = 0.239), and no device × exercise intensity interaction (p = 0.370). There were no instances where ECG and Polar data differed by ≥ 5 b·min-1. Conversely, there were two instances (2.2%) with the Apple, four (4.4%) with the Mio, 10 (11.1%) with the TomTom, and 19 (21.1%) with the Fitbit. A chest-worn HR monitor offers greater accuracy compared to wrist-worn devices. |
| Journal | Journal of Physical Activity Research |
| Journal citation | 2 (2), pp. 112-116 |
| ISSN | 2576-1919 |
| 2574-4437 | |
| Year | 2017 |
| Publisher | SciEP |
| Publisher's version | License CC BY 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.12691/jpar-2-2-8 |
| Web address (URL) | http://www.sciepub.com/jpar/abstract/8318 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 25 Nov 2017 |