Reliability and Validity of Commercially Available Wearable Devices for Measuring Steps, Energy Expenditure, and Heart Rate: Systematic Review

Sep 8, 2020JMIR mHealth and uHealth

How Accurate and Reliable Wearable Devices Are for Measuring Steps, Calories Burned, and Heart Rate

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Abstract

A review of 158 publications shows that Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Samsung accurately measure steps in laboratory settings.

Fitbit was the most studied brand among the reviewed wearable devices.
Heart rate measurements varied, with Apple Watch and Garmin displaying higher accuracy than Fitbit, which tended to underestimate values.
No brand demonstrated accuracy in measuring energy expenditure.
Validity assessments revealed differences in accuracy between devices of the same brand.
Continual upgrades and redesigns of devices indicate a need for ongoing reviews and research.

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BACKGROUND: Consumer-wearable activity trackers are small electronic devices that record fitness and health-related measures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the validity and reliability of commercial wearables in measuring step count, heart rate, and energy expenditure.

METHODS: We identified devices to be included in the review. Database searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus, and only articles published in the English language up to May 2019 were considered. Studies were excluded if they did not identify the device used and if they did not examine the validity or reliability of the device. Studies involving the general population and all special populations were included. We operationalized validity as criterion validity (as compared with other measures) and construct validity (degree to which the device is measuring what it claims). Reliability measures focused on intradevice and interdevice reliability.

RESULTS: We included 158 publications examining nine different commercial wearable device brands. Fitbit was by far the most studied brand. In laboratory-based settings, Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Samsung appeared to measure steps accurately. Heart rate measurement was more variable, with Apple Watch and Garmin being the most accurate and Fitbit tending toward underestimation. For energy expenditure, no brand was accurate. We also examined validity between devices within a specific brand.

CONCLUSIONS: Commercial wearable devices are accurate for measuring steps and heart rate in laboratory-based settings, but this varies by the manufacturer and device type. Devices are constantly being upgraded and redesigned to new models, suggesting the need for more current reviews and research.

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Reliability and Validity of Commercially Available Wearable Devices for Measuring Steps, Energy Expenditure, and Heart Rate: Systematic Review

Abstract

Full Text

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