Accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 9 for Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate Measurements
Author Information
Author(s): Chase Sydney E., Liddell Rebecca G., McGonagle Chloe L., Ives Stephen J., Rojas-Valverde Daniel
Primary Institution: Skidmore College
Hypothesis
The Apple Watch Series 9 is not an accurate measuring device for energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR), particularly for individuals with darker skin pigmentation.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 9 shows inconsistencies in measuring energy expenditure and heart rate across different skin pigmentation groups, with greater discrepancies for individuals with darker skin.
Supporting Evidence
- The Apple Watch Series 9 significantly underestimated energy expenditure compared to the Parvo Medics device.
- The accuracy of heart rate measurements from the Apple Watch Series 9 varied by skin pigmentation group.
- Participants with darker skin pigmentation experienced greater discrepancies in heart rate measurements.
Takeaway
The Apple Watch Series 9 might not give accurate health data for everyone, especially for people with darker skin, so it's important to be careful when using it to track health.
Methodology
Thirty young, healthy individuals completed a treadmill protocol while wearing an Apple Watch Series 9 and other devices to measure energy expenditure and heart rate.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the self-reported nature of skin pigmentation classification and inconsistent readings from the Polar H7 heart rate monitor.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and limited diversity in skin pigmentation among participants.
Participant Demographics
Participants were college-aged individuals from Skidmore College, with a majority falling into skin pigmentation Group 2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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