Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Assessing the Accuracy of Fitness Smartwatch Data for Cardiovascular and Physical Activity Monitoring: A Validation Study in Digital Health
Published on: February 21, 2025
Clinical validation of a wearable respiratory rate device: A brief report
Arik Eisenkraft1,2, Nir Goldstein1, Arik Ben Ishay1
1Biobeat Technologies Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel.
Background:
Respiratory rate (RR) is used for the diagnosis and management of medical conditions and can predict clinical changes. Heavy workload, understaffing, and errors related to poor recording make it underutilized. Wearable devices may facilitate its use.
Methods:
RR measurements using a wearable photoplethysmography-based monitor were compared with medical grade devices in complementary clinical scenarios: Study one included a comparison to a capnograph in 35 healthy volunteers; Study two included a comparison to a ventilator monitor in 18 ventilated patients; and Study three included a comparison to capnograph in 92 COVID-19 patients with active pulmonary disease. Pearson's correlations and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess the accuracy and agreement between the measurement techniques, including stratification for Body Mass Index (BMI) and skin tone. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results:
High correlation was found in all studies (r = 0.991, 0.884, and 0.888, respectively, p < 0.001 for all). 95% LOA of ±2.3, 1.7-(-1.6), and ±3.9 with a bias of < 0.1 breaths per minute was found in Bland-Altman analysis in studies 1,2, and 3, respectively. In all, high accordance was found in all sub-groups.
Conclusions:
RR measurements using the wearable monitor were highly-correlated with medical-grade devices in various clinical settings.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03603860.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is...
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Pulse Oximetry
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

