Reliability and validity of a smartphone pulse rate application for the assessment of resting and elevated pulse rate. (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Katy; Graff, Megan; Hedt, Corbin; Simmons, James
• Is Part Of: Physiotherapy theory and practice. Volume 32:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 494
• Page End: 499
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: Heart rate -- measurement -- smartphone; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2016.1203046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose/hypothesis : This study was designed to investigate the test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, and the standard error of measurement (SEm) of a pulse rate assessment application (Azumio®'s Instant Heart Rate) on both Android® and iOS® (iphone operating system) smartphones as compared to a FT7 Polar® Heart Rate monitor. Number of subjects : 111. Materials/methods : Resting (sitting) pulse rate was assessed twice and then the participants were asked to complete a 1-min standing step test and then immediately re-assessed. The smartphone assessors were blinded to their measurements. Results : Test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC 2, 1] and 95% confidence interval) for the three tools at rest (time 1/time 2): iOS® (0.76 [0.67–0.83]); Polar® (0.84 [0.78–0.89]); and Android® (0.82 [0.75–0.88]). Concurrent validity at rest time 2 (ICC 2, 1) with the Polar® device: IOS® (0.92 [0.88–0.94]) and Android® (0.95 [0.92–0.96]). Concurrent validity post-exercise (time 3) (ICC) with the Polar® device: iOS® (0.90 [0.86–0.93]) and Android® (0.94 [0.91–0.96]). The SEm values for the three devices at rest: iOS® (5.77 beats per minute [BPM]), Polar® (4.56 BPM) and Android® (4.96 BPM). Conclusions : The Android®, iOS®, and Polar® devices showed acceptable test–retest reliability at rest and post-exercise. Both the smartphone platforms demonstrated concurrent validity with the Polar® at rest and post-exercise. Clinical relevance : The Azumio® Instant Heart Rate application when used by either platform appears to be a reliable and valid tool to assess pulse rate in healthy individuals.