(53) VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF HEART RATE FROM BICEPS-WORN DEVICES DURING TRAIL RUNNING

Friday, July 14, 2023

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Milano III-IV

Poster Presenter(s)

James W. Navalta, PhD (he/him/his)

Associate Professor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Author(s)

DD

Dustin W. Davis

Interdisciplinary Health Science PhD Student
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
EM

Elias M. Malek

Interdisciplinary Health Science PhD Student
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
BC

Bryson Carrier

Interdisciplinary Health Science PhD Student
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
NB

Nathaniel G. Bodell

Assistant Professor
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California, United States
JM

Jacob W. Manning

Assistant Professor
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah, United States
JC

Jeffrey Cowley

Assistant Professor
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah, United States
MF

Merrill Funk

Assistant Professor
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah, United States
ML

Marcus M. Lawrence

Professor
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah, United States
MD

Mark DeBeliso

Professor
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah, United States

Abstract Details: Over twenty million people participate in trail running, with expected increases of 15% each year. We previously evaluated the heart rate (HR) validity of wearable technology watches during trail running, but not of biceps-worn devices, which may be more comfortable and cause less chaffing. Our previous findings were that watches were mostly inaccurate, however we did not determine reliability.

Purpose: Determine both validity and reliability of biceps-worn wearable devices during trail running.

Methods: Seventeen participants (F = 7) ran on the Thunderbird Gardens Lightning Switch trail in Cedar City, UT. Demographic characteristics: Age = 25 (9) yrs (mean [standard deviation]), ht = 168 (9) cm, mass = 72 (14) kg. Two Polar Verity and two Polar OH1 devices were evaluated, with the Polar H10 chest strap as criterion. Participants ran on the trail for 10 min and then returned to the trailhead. Maximum and average HR were measured during the run. Data were analyzed for validity (Mean Absolute Percent Error [MAPE] and Lin’s Concordance Correlation [CCC]) and reliability (Coefficient of Variation [CV] and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]). Predetermined thresholds were: MAPE< 10%, CCC >0.70, CV< 10%, ICC >0.70.

Results: The Verity met the threshold for both validity tests and both reliability tests for maximum and average HR (see table 1). The OH1 met the threshold for validity for maximum HR but not average HR or reliability measures.

Conclusions: To be considered valid, a device must meet predetermined thresholds for both validity and reliability. The biceps-worn Verity met all threshold assumptions during trail running. While the OH1 passed validity testing threshold for maximum HR, the reliability assumption was not met. This finding underscores the importance of conducting both validity and reliability testing when making decisions on wearable technology devices and appropriate use cases, particularly in an outdoor environment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Individuals completing variable intensity activities outdoors (such as trail running) can have confidence in the biceps-worn Verity providing accurate and reliable heart rate measures.

Acknowledgements: None