Wearable Heart Rate Monitor Technology Accuracy in Research: A Comparative Study Between PPG and ECG Technology. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weiler, Dustin T.; Villajuan, Stefanie O.; Edkins, Laura; Cleary, Sean; Saleem, Jason J.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting. Volume 61:Part 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1292
• Page End: 1296
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Human engineering -- Congresses; 620.8205
• DOI: 10.1177/1541931213601804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-9312

Abstract

Wearable heart rate (HR) monitors typically implement photoplethysmography (PPG) technology and are used in research as an alternative to electrocardiogram (ECG). However, questions surrounding the accuracy of PPG technology exist. To provide an answer regarding the question of accuracy, we conducted a study to compare average HR readings of two different HR technologies (PPG vs. ECG) after an interval style cardio-based workout. A total of 30 trials were conducted and average HR readings from the two HR technologies were compared using an ANOVA. Results revealed no significant difference between the two technologies. However, when HR reached around 155-160 beats per minute, a difference of +/− 5 beats per minute was observed between the two technologies with PPG HR readings being less than ECG. As a result, future research could consider the wearable PPG HR technology as accurate, but with certain experimental design implications.