However, this test was just conducted on the sensor itself, not a complete watch or fitness tracker. The authors went on to say: “Electrode-containing chest monitors should be used when accurate HR measurement is imperative.”īrands seem to be very tight-lipped in regards to how accurate their sensors can be and the only test information I could find was from Mio. The Journal of the American Medical Association just published a research letter, and its findings stated that none of the devices tested (FitBit Charge HR, Apple Watch, Mio Alpha and Basis Peak) were able to offer a reliable reading during moderate exercise. In fact, there’s even a class action lawsuit against FitBit over complaints that the Fitbit Blaze, Charge HR and Surge fail to accurately measure user heart rates. Our Fenix 3 HR test unit also came with a heart rate strap Colin Levitch / Immediate Mediaĭespite their popularity, the accuracy of wrist-worn heart rate monitors is up for debate. How accurate is optical heart rate monitoring? It’s because of the way that these sensors work that they won’t read your heart rate until you get sweaty because they need a conductive medium between the sensor and your skin.Ī common thread across both systems is that they need a good connection to your skin, meaning fitting the device is important for an accurate reading. This is in contrast to a chest strap, which measures the small electrical impulses given off by your heart as the muscles contract. As bone, soft tissue and blood all absorb light differently, the optical sensor can then determine heart rate based on the changing light refracted by the blood flowing through your veins. Most of the wrist-based options now available use a green low-intensity light that is shone through the skin to determine heart rate. The LifeBEAM and wrist-based sensors are similar to the Photoplethysmography (PPG) finger clips used in hospitals. Originally designed to monitor the vitals of astronauts and pilots, the LifeBEAM uses a sensor placed against your forehead to read heart rate. Optical heart rate sensors are not a new innovation by any means and have been around in the cycling industry for a while in the form of sensors like LifeBEAM. It’s imperative the sensor maintain constant contact with your skin for an accurate reading Colin Levitch / Immediate Media
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