Validation of photoplethysmography as a method to detect heart rate during rest and exercise

Abstract

Despite their enhanced marketplace visibility, validity of wearable photoplethysmographic heart rate monitoring is scarce. Forty-seven healthy participants performed seven, 6-min exercise bouts and completed a valid skin type scale. Participants wore an Omron HR500U (OHR) and a Mio Alpha (MA), two commercial wearable photoplethysmographic heart rate monitors. Data were compared to a Polar RS800CX (PRS). Means and error were calculated between devices using minutes 2–5. Compared to PRS, MA data was significantly different in walking, biking (2.41?±?3.99?bpm and 3.26?±?11.38?bpm, p?<?0.05) and weight lifting (23.30?±?31.94?bpm, p?<?0.01). OHR differed from PRS in walking (4.95?±?7.53?bpm, p?<?0.05) and weight lifting (4.67?±?8.95?bpm, p?<?0.05). MA during elliptical, stair climbing and biking conditions demonstrated a strong correlation between jogging speed and error (r?=?0.55, p?<?0.0001), and showed differences in participants with less photosensitive skin.