Commercial Smart Watches and Heart Rate Monitors: A Concurrent Validity Analysis
Samuel Montalvo1, Armando Martinez2, Sabrina Arias2
1Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|March 2, 2023
Summary
Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 demonstrate good validity for tracking heart rate during rest and exercise. However, accuracy decreases at higher running speeds, suggesting caution for athletes during intense activity.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Wearable technology, including smartwatches, is increasingly used for health monitoring.
- Accurate heart rate monitoring is crucial for training and performance assessment.
- Concurrent validity of consumer-grade devices against clinical standards needs thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the concurrent validity of Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 against a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a Polar H-10 monitor.
- To determine the accuracy of these smartwatches across various exercise intensities and participant types.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four collegiate football players and 20 recreationally active adults participated.
- Participants underwent a treadmill protocol including rest, walking, jogging, running, and recovery.
- Heart rate data from smartwatches were compared to ECG and Polar H-10 using intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.
Main Results:
- Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 showed good concurrent validity with both criterion devices.
- Accuracy decreased with increasing jogging and running speeds.
- The Polar H-10 served as a reliable surrogate for clinical ECG in practical settings.
Conclusions:
- Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 are valid for heart rate tracking at rest and moderate exercise intensities.
- Strength and conditioning professionals can use these devices, but with caution during high-speed running.
- The Polar H-10 is a viable field alternative to ECG for heart rate monitoring.
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