Researchers at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, released findings that purport Fitbit technology PurePulse does not accurately record heart rate, and is therefore unreliable in tracking moderate to intense exercise.
The study, called “Validation of the Fitbit Surge and HR Fitness Trackers,”was designed with the sole purpose of tracking the accuracy of the PurePulse technology in fitness trackers created by Fitbit Inc. Both the Charge HR and Surge were tested in the trials, being compared to a time-synced electrocardiogram (ECG).
“Based on our analysis of those readings, we conclude that the Fitbit PurePulse Trackers do not provide a valid measure of the users’ heart rate and cannot be used to provide a meaningful estimate of a user’s heart rate, particularly during moderate to high intensity exercise,” said authors Edward Jo, PhD and Brett A. Dolezal, PhD.
The authors continued, “As wearables become more prevalent, the accuracy of the physiological data they provide increases in importance. With the recent development of new types of sensors there has been a steady focus on improving overall device performance, i.e., reliability and validity of measurements. Notwithstanding, there is a scarcity of rigorous, scientifically-based validation studies on physiological measurement accuracy when compared to a gold-standard. These devices are no exception, hence this study’s proposed purpose is to compare heart rate (HR) measures and validate them against a criterion measure (ECG).”
According to Forbes, the study was paid for by lawyers representing certain individuals who are suing Fitbit for misleading claims. Forbes also reported Fitbit swiftly denounced the study in defense for its devices and technology.
