Key result
The Microlife WatchBP O3 oscillometric device accurately measured heart rate compared to pulse palpation, with a mean difference of 0.9 ± 2.1 bpm at rest and 0.6 ± 2.6 bpm during mild exercise.
Why the study?
Whether oscillometric devices provide accurate measurements of heart rate during rest and exercise was not known.
Does the Microlife WatchBP O3 oscillometric device accurately measure heart rate at rest and during mild exercise compared to pulse palpation in the general population?
Cross-Sectional (n=36)
Does the Microlife WatchBP O3 oscillometric device accurately measure heart rate at rest and during mild exercise compared to pulse palpation in the general population?
The oscillometric technique using the Microlife WatchBP O3 provides reliable heart rate measurements during rest and mild exercise.
Supports oscillometric heart rate monitoring in practice; extends validation data but leaves open prospective confirmation in diverse settings.
OBJECTIVE: Whether oscillometric devices provide accurate measurements of heart rate (HR) is not known. Our aim was to determine the accuracy of an oscillometric device for the measurement of HR during rest and exercise. METHODS: The Microlife WatchBP O3, a monitor previously validated for blood pressure measurement, was tested in 36 individuals from the general population (mean age, 72.9 years; 18 men). HR was measured at rest and during stress testing on a cycle ergometer in order to increase HR by 15% or more. HR was computed from the oscillometric waves recorded during the deflation phase of the blood pressure measurement and was compared with HR measured by pulse palpation by two observers. RESULTS: At rest, the mean device-observer HR difference was 0.9 ± 2.1 bpm. During exercise, the average HR increase was 20.3% and the mean device-observer difference was 0.6 ± 2.6 bpm. The device-observer HR differences were all included within ±6 bpm both at rest and during exercise. Kappa statistics showed a very good agreement between device and observers both at rest (kappa scores, 0.82-0.88) and during exercise (kappa scores, 0.81 and 0.86). The device-observer HR differences were unrelated to the level of HR or to pulse pressure. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the oscillometric technique is able to provide reliable HR measurements during rest and mild exercise. Whether evaluation of HR performance should be included during validation testing of automatic monitors should be established by regulatory bodies.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
A 2021 study conducted a cross-sectional in general population (n=36). Microlife WatchBP O3 oscillometric device vs. pulse palpation by two observers was evaluated on device-observer heart rate difference at rest (MD 0.9 bpm). The Microlife WatchBP O3 oscillometric device accurately measured heart rate compared to pulse palpation, with a mean difference of 0.9 ± 2.1 bpm at rest and 0.6 ± 2.6 bpm during mild exercise.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: