%0 Journal Article
%T Assessing VO2max and Pulse Oximetry Accuracy in Wearable Devices
%A Jonas K. Weber
%A Franz Müller
%A Anna L. Schmidt
%J Bulletin of Pioneering Researches of Medical and Clinical Science
%@ 3006-2659
%D 2022
%V 2
%N 1
%R 10.51847/eWqGluHrGT
%P 126-133
%X As wearable devices become more widespread and technologically advanced, verifying their accuracy is critical to ensure they provide reliable data for practical use. This study investigated how accurately the Garmin fēnix 6 estimates VO2max and measures blood oxygen saturation (BOS) via pulse oximetry in a general population sample. The study included healthy adults, both physically active and sedentary, for VO2max testing (n = 19) and pulse oximetry assessment (n = 22). VO2max values from the fēnix 6 were compared to a gold-standard metabolic system using a graded exercise test and outdoor running. BOS readings from the device under normal and low-oxygen conditions were compared against a clinical-grade pulse oximeter. Analyses included descriptive statistics, error evaluation, correlation assessment, equivalence testing, and bias evaluation, with validation benchmarks defined as a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) > 0.7 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) < 10%. VO2max estimates from the fēnix 6 aligned closely with laboratory measurements (30 s average MAPE = 7.05%; Lin’s CCC = 0.73), whereas BOS readings were unreliable under all conditions tested (combined conditions MAPE = 4.29%; Lin’s CCC = 0.10). The Garmin fēnix 6 provides reasonably accurate VO2max estimates, suggesting usefulness for fitness tracking and research purposes, but its BOS measurements are insufficiently precise for clinical or altitude monitoring. These results emphasize the necessity of validating wearable devices before relying on them for health or research applications.
%U https://bprmcs.com/article/assessing-vo2max-and-pulse-oximetry-accuracy-in-wearable-devices-mmludzupww0uwb6