Heart rate monitors: state of the art

Heart rate is a useful indicator of physiological adaptation and intensity of effort. Therefore, heart rate monitoring is an important component of cardiovascular fitness assessment and training programmes. The electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitoring devices are accurate, but they are not appropriate for use in field settings due to cost, size and complexity of operation. Lightweight telemetric heart rate monitors equipped with conventional electrodes have been available since 1983 and have been shown to be accurate and valid tools for heart rate monitoring and registering in the field. Polar Electro Oy has been at the forefront of ambulatory heart rate monitor technology for 15 years. This paper reviews the development of Polar heart rate monitors and their measurement accuracy compared to Holter ECG devices at rest and during exercise, both in adults and in children.