Story submitted by Barry Weese, Associate Dean, Allied Health
Research from the Fitness and Health Promotion (FAHP) program was published this March in scientific journal, Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing. Tyler Mueller and Selina Pfoh-MacDonald, FAHP graduates (2020) were co-authors on the study, along with program faculty, Dr. Nick Held, who was the lead author.
The study focuses on wearable technology (Apple Watch 4 and Fitbit Charge 3) and heart rate/step count accuracy on an aquatic treadmill and is an excellent example of opportunities in applied research within the health sector. The aquatic treadmill is typically used in injury rehabilitation and recovery and was provided by community partner, Hydrathletics.
Abstract
This study examined the association and level of agreement between criterion methods and the Apple Watch 4® and Fitbit Charge 3® for recording step count and heart rate when exercising in water on an aquatic treadmill (ATM). Sixteen healthy participants (13 females and 3 males) volunteered to take part in this study. Participants were submerged in an ATM pool to the level of their xiphoid process and completed 3-min exercise bouts at intensities that corresponded to a comfortable walk, brisk walk, jog, and running. A Polar® T31 chest strap recorded heart rate (HR) and a high-definition digital camera was utilized for recording step count (SC). Significant associations (p < 0.001) were observed between criterion methods and the Apple® (HR: R2 = 0.99 and SC: R2 = 0.87) and Fitbit® (HR: R2 = 0.72 and SC: R2 = 0.83) devices. The mean absolute error and relative error (%) for recording step count were 19.8 (7.4%) in the Apple Watch and 21.4 (8.5%) in the Fitbit and 0.90 (0.76%) in the Apple Watch and 4.2 (3.0%) in the Fitbit for recording heart rate. Both devices displayed a reasonable level of agreement for recording step count and heart rate when exercising in water.
Access the full article from Medical & Biomedical Engineering & Computing (2022).
Find more information on the Fitness and Health Promotion program at SLC.