– How much I trust the watch varies. If I run with friends, and we have three different watches, they can show three different answers, says Synne Groufth-Jacobsen. Different models of pulse and smart watches have different sensors and algorithms that measure the result of the training session. This means that the result can be over- or underestimated. Synne Groufth-Jacobsen does not have full confidence in her heart rate monitor. Photo: Espen Bierud / news Does not need validation Benedikte Western is a research fellow at the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education at the University of Agder. She has published an article in which she questions the accuracy of such activity clocks. – Data on energy and calorie consumption in particular can be incorrect, says Western. She explains that activity meters that are used in research have to go through a number of precise, complicated and expensive measurement methods. This is to ensure the quality of the measurements. Activity watches sold to consumers do not need to go through this type of validation to be on the market. Strength training at risk of not being registered – Most modern activity watches have an accelerometer, says Western. What is required for the training session to be registered, and whether it ends up in the light, medium or high intensity category, varies. – One challenge is that the accelerometer can pick up movements such as knitting and brushing teeth. Then it is in danger of registering this as an activity with moderate to high intensity or as steps. At the same time, activity may be at risk of not being registered, despite high intensity. It can happen if it does not cause movement in the watch. Examples of this are cycling or strength training. Western says that comparing data from different pulse watches is sometimes wrong, as the watches have different sensors and algorithms that interpret the training. Photo: ESPEN BIERUD / news – Listen to your body In addition to the sensors, the clock’s accuracy depends on algorithms. – There are as many algorithms as there are sensors and clock models, says Western. Therefore, it is sometimes completely wrong to compare data from different clocks. – You shouldn’t let the clock decide whether you should pat yourself on the back after a session. You have to listen to your body, is the tip from Western. On the other hand, research shows that activity watches can be motivating for many. – The fact that the participants can follow their activity makes them more aware. They may take an extra trip during the day to achieve goals they have set for themselves. Benedikte Western is researching how accurate information fitness watches and apps give consumers. Photo: ESPEN BIERUD / news Emphasizes optimization news has asked two of the largest suppliers of pulse watches, Polar and Garmin, about how they ensure the quality of the watches’ measurements. Polar replies that they are always looking to renew and improve their products and services, and that this also applies to optimization. – Polar has a number of partners to maintain the highest level of scientific standards, writes service coordinator Christoffer Arvidsson in an email to news. Jan-Åke Arenäs, on behalf of Garmin, writes the following: – Garmin depends on sensors that track movements. The data and information provided by these devices are intended to provide a close estimate of your activity.
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– Not sure high intensity is captured – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
