About this resource

    Type of resources
    Reading
    Education level(s)
    College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional
    Primary user(s)
    Student, Researcher/Scientist
    Subject area(s)
    Applied Science, Life Science
    Language(s)
    English
    Cluster
    Conceptual and Statistical Knowledge
    Last updated
    15 July 2025
    Reading

    Can You Trust the Data from Your Wearable? A Critical Evaluation of Heart Rate and HRV Accuracy

    By Mohammadamin Sinichi, Martin J. Gevonden, Lydia Krabbendam

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    Level College / Upper Division (Undergraduates), Graduate / Professional · For Student, Researcher/Scientist · Language English

    Abstract

    This study critically evaluated four wearable devices for their accuracy in measuring heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) against a gold-standard monitor. Surprisingly, even a widely used research-grade device did not outperform consumer models, particularly during physical activity. The findings underscore the importance of validating wearable technologies before using them in research and caution users against overreliance on closed, proprietary algorithms that may produce unreliable data during daily use.

    Keywords OSCA Awards 2025