Fitbit: study points to imprecise heart data

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A study commissioned by those who criticize Fitbit for misleading customers about the measurement of heart rate in certain products, confirms the imprecision of the PurePulse technology used by the brand.

Last January, Fitbit Charged By Three US Consumers Of Misleading Advertising And Endangering The Lives Of Others. These three people have thus filed a complaint against the firm, accusing it of misleading consumers on the reliability of its heart rate sensors present on the Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge.

" PurePulse technology built into Fitbit optical sensors does not accurately record heart rate "

To support these accusations, the three thieves of the case then ordered a study to Review the reliability of the cardiac measurements of these smart health connected wristbands, and the results are in line with the complainants. Indeed, the researchers explain that “lhe PurePulse technology integrated in Fitbit optical sensors does not accurately record heart rate, and is particularly unreliable during moderate to intense (level) exercises ".

A nice difference in the data collected

According to the report of the study, the Charge HR records on average a difference of -15.5 bpm (beats per minute) during moderate to intense exercise compared to a professional electrocardiogram. For the Surge, the difference is even greater on this same type of exercise: -22.8 bpm. In practice, this means that if a user sees a heart rate of 150 bpm, it is actually more or less at 173 bpm. These findings were made on 43 guinea pigs, and the study also explains that the data collected is very fluctuating. For example, by wearing a Surge on each arm, the indicated heart rate will not be the same on each of the bracelets.

"The

he results of this study demonstrate that PurePulse technology is not a valid method "

When we consult FAQ devoted to heart rate on the Fitbit website, there is no mention of a wrist to be preferred. Nevertheless, some advice is given on the positioning of the device so that the technology is as precise as possible. In particular, place the bracelet as high as possible on the wrist during physical activity, and not wear it "Too tight because it decreases blood flow".

"Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that PurePulse technology is not a valid method for measuring heart rate, and cannot be used to provide a meaningful estimate of a user's heart rate." ", concludes The report.

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