Key result
The Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter accurately estimates exercise heart rate below 160 beats/min but significantly underestimates rates ≥160 beats/min (p<0.0001).
Why the study?
Pulse oximeters are often used to estimate heart rate at rest and during exercise, but few data exist to support the validity of this practice.
Does the Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter accurately estimate heart rate during exercise compared to ECG in subjects undergoing cycle-ergometer exercise?
Does the Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter accurately estimate heart rate during exercise compared to ECG in subjects undergoing cycle-ergometer exercise?
The Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter provides accurate heart rate estimates during exercise up to 160 beats/min, above which it significantly underestimates true heart rate.
Warrants caution for HR monitoring with the Ohmeda 3700 in high-intensity exercise; challenges its reliability across full exercise range.
Pulse oximeters are often used as a means of estimating heart rate (HR) at rest and during exercise. However, at present, few data have been reported to support the validity of this practice. METHOD: We evaluated the accuracy of a pulse oximeter (Ohmeda 3700), utilizing an ear sensor to estimate HR during incremental exercise, by comparing the oximeter estimates of HR to simultaneous electrocardiograph (ECG) HR measurements. Data were collected on 26 subjects (284 HR measurements) during graded cycle-ergometer exercise to volitional fatigue. RESULTS: Analysis by linear regression revealed r = 0.91 (SEE = ±14.4) for HR over the entire range of exercise HR measurements. Mean HRs determined from the ECG recording and the ear-oximeter estimate at selected work rates were not significantly different (p = 0.68) for HR below 160 beats/min. However, the pulse oximeter significantly underestimated HR ⩾ 160 beats/min (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter provides accurate estimates of HR during cycle-ergometer exercise when HR is < 160 beats/min, but may provide inaccurate estimates when true HR is ⩾ 160 beats/min.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lawler et al. (1989) studied this question. The Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter accurately estimates exercise heart rate below 160 beats/min but significantly underestimates rates ≥160 beats/min (p<0.0001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: