SRU Research Focus: McClure and Yeh examine wrist-worn heart rate monitors

Oct. 18, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Payton McClure, a Slippery Rock University junior exercise science major from Reedsville, conducted research this summer to examine the validity of wrist-worn heart rate monitors.

Funded by a grant through SRU's Student Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Grant, McClure's project, titled "Validation of Commercially Available and Affordable Wristband Heart Rate Monitoring Devices," was conducted under the advisement of Mingchia Yeh, an SRU assistant professor of exercise science. The Student Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Grant awards faculty-student research projects up to $5,000 and helps develop research skills and discipline techniques for undergraduates.

Summary: The study evaluated the accuracy of affordable wrist-worn heart rate monitors worn during cycling and treadmill exercises by comparing their data with electrocardiography, which is a test to record the electrical signals in the heart known as ECG. The topic arose from feedback in an exercise science course at SRU, where students used these devices to supplement their heart rate palpation skills. The study aimed to identify a reliable, low-cost heart rate monitor, benefiting both public health monitoring and educational applications while enhancing students' research and practical skills.

Research question: Wrist-worn heart rate monitors have grown in popularity and have potential educational applications. There is a wide range in prices and the validity of the more affordable monitors is not well established. The researchers want to determine what are the most cost effective heart rate monitors on the market and what are their benefits and flaws.

Methods: Students from a 300-level exercise science class performed a cycling and a treadmill protocol across a range of intensities. Real-time heart rate values were simultaneously recorded every 15 seconds from the watches and other measures, such as ECG.

Why this topic: According to McClure, heart rate is a commonly used objective marker to monitor exercise intensity and training load.

"Our department provides each student in 300-level courses an Amazfit band to use for class activities," McClure said. "We also learn to palpate heart rate, and most of us in our class were finding large differences between the readings on our Amazfits and what we were palpating. So, this inspired Dr. Yeh and I to start this study to see if this device and other popular ones were accurate."

How will this study benefit others?: As interest in health monitoring grows, investigating the validity of wearable devices can reduce the need for high-quality smartwatches and garments that typically cost more than $200. Wrist-worn bands priced between $20 and $100 offer a more affordable alternative while offering accurate results.

How do SRU students benefit from conducting research?: "Research is such a beneficial thing for students to participate and conduct in college," McClure said. "It sets them apart from their peers and can open their horizons to more exclusive opportunities. Research enhances the professional relationship between professors and students too. It is a great way to network with professors and it's been a great addition to my resume as well."

After the researchers compile and analyze results from the study, they will submit their findings to academic journals and potentially present them at conferences.

More information about SRU's exercise science programs are available on the department's webpage and more information about the Student Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Grant is available on SRU's Grants Office webpage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Aaliyah Thomas | 724.738.4854 | [email protected]