Vol 16, Issue 7

Assessing the Validity of Several Heart Rate Monitors in Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking

December 1, 2023 - By 

Authors

Bryson Carrier, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Robert W. Salatto, Vanguard University
Dustin W. Davis, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jacquelyn Sertic
Brenna Barrios
Graham R. McGinnis, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Tedd Girouard, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Benjamin E. Burroughs, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
James W. Navalta, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(7): 1440-1450, 2023.
DOI: 10.70252/PMWE7524

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to assess the validity of several heart rate (HR) monitors in wearable technology during mountain biking (MTB), compared to the Polar H7® HR monitor, used as the criterion device. Methods: A total of 20 participants completed two MTB trials while wearing six HR monitors (5 test devices, 1 criterion). HR was recorded on a second-by-second basis for all devices analyzed. After data processing, validity measures were calculated, including 1. error analysis: mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean error (ME), and 2. Correlation analysis: Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Thresholds for validity were set at MAPE < 10% and CCC > 0.7. Results: The only device that was found to be valid during mountain biking was the Suunto Spartan Sport watch with accompanying HR monitor, with a MAPE of 0.66% and a CCC of 0.99 for the overall, combined data. Conclusion: If a person would like to track their HR during mountain biking, for pacing, training, or other reasons, the devices best able to produce valid results are chest-based, wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, secured by elastic straps to minimize the movement of the device, such as the Suunto chest-based HR monitor.

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