Evaluation of the Eurans Wrist-Worn Pulse Monitor to Determine Heart Rate during Exercise

Introduction: Research is limited in commercially available, affordable HR monitoring technology for real-time regulation of exercise intensity. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of a wrist-worn photoplethysmography (PPG) HR monitor in women and men during exercise. Methods: A total of 106 recreationally active adults (mean age 29.5 ± 12.1 years) were recruited for this investigation. Participants were prepared for ECG analysis using the functional placement of the limb leads. Once continuous ECG monitoring was confirmed, all subjects were fitted with a Eurans PPG watch on the left wrist. HR from PPG and ECG were recorded at the end of each minute of rest and exercise and averaged over the 3-minute stage. The 3-minute exercise stages were as follows: Stage 1 – 1.7 mph at 10% grade; Stage 2 – 2.5 mph at 12% grade; Stage 3 - 3.5-5.0 mph at 0% grade; Stage 4 – 3.0 mph at 0% grade. Results: A significant (p<0.001) difference in HR device was observed between genders for each stage. No differences were observed between the device used to determine HR (ECG or Eurans) for any stage. No interaction effects between gender x device was observed for any HR condition. Conclusions: A Eurans PPG HR device can be used to provide accurate measures of HR in both resting and physically active conditions. The findings of the present study could benefit those individuals seeking an affordable, wrist-worn PPG HR monitor.