What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the feasibility and diagnostic agreement between Apple Watch, KardiaMobile, and standard 12-lead ECG in children.

January 10, 2026Scientific Reports0 citationsOpen Access

Feasibility and diagnostic agreement of Apple Watch and KardiaMobile electrocardiograms compared with standard 12-lead ECG in children

SKStefan Kurath-KollerMedical University of Graz DSDaniel ScherrMedical University of Graz NONathalie OefflMedical University of Graz

Key Points

To assess the feasibility and diagnostic agreement between Apple Watch, KardiaMobile, and standard 12-lead ECG in children.
Conducted a comparative analysis of ECGs from children using Apple Watch and KardiaMobile against standard 12-lead ECG.

Structured PICO

Do Apple Watch and KardiaMobile reconstructed 12-lead ECGs provide reliable diagnostic agreement with standard 12-lead ECGs in children?

Population

30 children and adolescents aged 4-17 years (median 11.5 years, 43% female) without known cardiac conditions or arrhythmias, undergoing routine clinical medically indicated ECG monitoring.

Intervention

Reconstructed 12-lead ECG using Apple Watch Series 6 (sequential acquisition) and KardiaMobile 6L.

Comparator

Standard 12-lead ECG.

Outcome

Diagnostic agreement of quantitative ECG parameters (QRS axis, intervals, voltages) and feasibility (acquisition time, tracing quality).surrogate

Mobile ECG devices can reconstruct 12-lead ECGs in children with good agreement for robust parameters like QRS axis and voltages, but struggle with low-amplitude signals and require longer acquisition times, particularly the Apple Watch.

Abstract

Mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) technologies such as the Apple Watch (AW) and KardiaMobile 6 L (KM) are increasingly used in adult cardiology, yet their performance in pediatric populations remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, tracing quality, and diagnostic agreement of AW and KM compared to standard 12-lead ECG (S12L) in children. We conducted a prospective observational study in children aged 4–17 years undergoing routine ECG evaluation. All 12 leads were reconstructed using alternative device positioning for both AW and KM. ECGs were independently analyzed by blinded pediatric cardiologists for standard parameters, rhythm interpretation, and tracing quality. A total of 30 patients were enrolled. Median acquisition times differed significantly across devices: 4 min (2;10 min; S12L), 5 min (4;10 min; KM), and 15 min (10;32 min; AW). KM yielded high tracing quality (median 9/10), comparable to standard ECG, while AW showed lower quality (median 6/10). Strong to very strong correlations (r = 0.6–0.96, p < 0.001) with standard ECGs were found for QRS axis, R and S wave voltages, and QT intervals. Both devices detected arrhythmic events. Mobile ECG devices showed strong agreement with standard ECG for selected parameters (e.g., QRS axis, major voltages), while other intervals demonstrated weaker correlation. Findings should be interpreted within the context of a small sample size and feasibility-oriented study. KM demonstrated higher signal quality and faster acquisition, while AW was limited by longer acquisition time and artifact sensitivity. Mobile ECG devices offer promising tools for pediatric arrhythmia diagnostics, although pediatric-specific adaptations are warranted.

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