Key result
Heart rate measured by three mobile apps on iOS and Android showed high correlation with a gold standard chest strap monitor (Spearman coefficients 0.844-0.981, p<0.0001), though values were generally underestimated.
Why the study?
Are smartphone apps reliable for measuring heart rate compared to traditional heart rate monitors in young healthy adults during physical activity?
Observational (n=10)
No
Are smartphone apps reliable for measuring heart rate compared to traditional heart rate monitors in young healthy adults during physical activity?
Effect estimate: Spearman correlation 0.844-0.981
p-value: p=<0.0001
Smartphone apps using photoplethysmography may be suitable for fitness-related heart rate monitoring in young healthy adults, but further validation of device and patient-specific factors is required.
May support fitness HR monitoring with apps in young adults; leaves open rigorous device-specific validation.
BACKGROUND: Recently, a number of smartphone apps appeared that allow for heart rate measurements basing on the photoplethysmography principle. In fact, almost every smartphone now has a camera with flash that could be used for that. Some studies appeared on the reliability of some of those apps, with heterogeneous results. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims at adding up evidence in particular during physical activity, by comparing 3 apps on two different platforms (IOs and Android), on a broad range of heart rates. As gold standard, heart rate has been measured with a traditional heart rate monitor. RESULTS: The results suggest that heart rate apps might be used for measuring heart rate for fitness aims for many individuals, but further research is needed to i) analyse influence of smartphone features; ii) identify personal factors hindering measurements, and iii) verify reliability on different measurement sites.
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Parpinel et al. (2017) conducted an observational in Healthy (n=10). Heart rate mobile apps (Instant Heart Rate, Cardiograph, Heart Beat Rate) vs. Belt heart rate monitor (Polar RS300X) was evaluated on Correlation between app-measured heart rate and gold standard (Spearman correlation 0.844-0.981, p=<0.0001). Heart rate measured by three mobile apps on iOS and Android showed high correlation with a gold standard chest strap monitor (Spearman coefficients 0.844-0.981, p<0.0001), though values were generally underestimated.
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