@article{jpar2017228,
author={{Hough, Paul and Glaister, Mark and Pledger, Adam},
title={The Accuracy of Wrist-worn Heart Rate Monitors across a Range of Exercise Intensities},
journal={Journal of Physical Activity Research},
volume={2},
number={2},
pages={112--116},
year={2017},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/jpar/2/2/8},
issn={2574-4437},
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 ¡Á exercise intensity interaction (p = 0.370). There were no instances where ECG and Polar data differed by ¡Ý 5 b¡¤min<SUP>-1</SUP>. 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.},
doi={10.12691/jpar-2-2-8}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}