The validity and inter-device variability of the Apple Watch™ for measuring maximal heart rate

Abt, Grant; Bray, James; Benson, Amanda Clare

Abstract

Maximal heart rate (HRmax) is a fundamental measure used in exercise prescription. The Apple Watch measures heart rate yet the validity and inter-device variability of the device for measuring HRmax are unknown. Fifteen participants completed a maximal oxygen uptake test while wearing an Apple Watch on each wrist. Criterion HRmax was measured using a Polar T31 chest strap. There were good to very good correlations between the watches and criterion (left: r = 0.87 [90%CI: 0.67 to 0.95]; right: r = 0.98 [90%CI: 0.94 to 0.99]). Standardised mean bias for the left and right watches compared to the criterion were 0.14 (90%CI: -0.12 to 0.39; trivial) and 0.04 (90%CI: -0.07 to 0.15; trivial). Standardised typical error of the estimate for the left and right watches compared to the criterion were 0.51 (90%CI: 0.38 to 0.80; moderate) and 0.22 (90%CI: 0.16 to 0.34; small). Inter-device standardised typical error was 0.46 (90%CI: 0.36 to 0.68; moderate), ICC = 0.84 (90%CI: 0.65 to 0.93). The Apple Watch has good to very good criterion validity for measuring HRmax, with no substantial under- or over-estimation. There were moderate and small prediction errors for the left and right watches. Inter-device variability in HRmax is moderate.

Citation

Abt, G., Bray, J., & Benson, A. C. (2018). The validity and inter-device variability of the Apple Watch™ for measuring maximal heart rate. Journal of sports sciences, 36(13), 1447-1452. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1397282

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 20, 2017
• Publication Date: 2018
• Deposit Date: Nov 30, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 31, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Sports Sciences
• Print ISSN: 0264-0414
• Electronic ISSN: 1466-447X
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 13
• Pages: 1447-1452
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1397282
• Keywords: Intensity; Validity; Reliability; Technology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/479678
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2017.1397282
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rjsp20