Investigating the accuracy of Garmin PPG sensors on differing skin types based on the Fitzpatrick scale: cross-sectional comparison study
Abstract
Background Commercial wearable devices, which are often capable of estimating heart rate via photoplethysmography (PPG), are increasingly used in health promotion. In recent years, researchers have investigated whether the accuracy of PPG-measured heart rate varies based on skin pigmentation, focusing particularly on the accuracy of such devices among users with darker skin tones. As such, manufacturers of wearable devices have implemented strategies to improve accuracy. Given the ever-changing nature of the wearable device industry and the important health implications of providing accurate heart rate estimates for all individuals no matter their skin color, studies exploring the impact of pigmentation on PPG accuracy must be regularly replicated. Objective We aimed to contrast heart rate readings collected via PPG using the Garmin Forerunner 45 in comparison with an electrocardiogram (ECG) during various levels of physical activity across a diverse group of participants representing a range of skin tones. Methods Heart rate data were collected from adult participants (18–64 years of age) at a single study session using the Garmin Forerunner 45 PPG-equipped smartwatch and the Polar H10 ECG chest strap. Skin tone was self-reported via the Fitzpatrick scale. Each participant completed two 10 min bouts of moderate-intensity walking or jogging separated by a 10 min bout of light walking. Results A series of mixed ANOVAs indicated no significant interaction between Fitzpatrick…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Nano Biosensors: Properties, applications and electrochemical techniques
- Electrochemically Synthesized MIP Sensors: Applications in Healthcare Diagnostics
- Toward a Harmonization for Using in situ Nutrient Sensors in the Marine Environment
- Electrochemical determination of rutin by using NiFe2O4 nanoparticles-loaded reduced graphene oxide
- Application of Polyoxometalate-based composites for sensor systems: A review
- Sensitive Electrochemical and Thermal Detection of Human Noroviruses Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles Generated against a Viral Target
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.