FitBit heart rate is not as accurate as they claim

LittleMissAngi

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/12086337/Fitbit-heart-rate-tracking-is-dangerously-inaccurate-lawsuit-claims.html

I knew it wasn't accurate butbibdidnt realize it was this bad off!

Raynne413

I actually quit using it because I've worked out long enough to have an idea of where my heart rate is, and could tell it was way off during my kickboxing, and any kind of interval training. I'm using the Garmin Vivosmart HR currently.

jdhcm2006

I only use my Fitbit for daily use and yoga. I don't use it for intense cardio sessions. I stick to my Garmin Vivofit with the chest strap for that. But yeah, I figured this out when I work both at the same time and the Fitbit was always 20-30 beats under the Vivofit.

Pawsforme

Mine seems pretty accurate, but I don't do much really high intensity cardio. I wonder how much is user error? Fitbit says that during high intensity cardio activities the trackers work better if they're moved higher up the arm (toward the elbow). I wonder how many people aren't aware of that, or are aware but ignore it?

titianknitter

My understanding from reading reviews prior to purchasing my Charge HR is that this type of heart rate monitoring is still new technology. Early adopters of any technology generally have to put up with some quirks. Reports across the net say that Fitbits are good for getting a resting heart rate and/or mild activity, but that if you want an accurate heart rate for strenuous activity such as running, a dedicated device with proven technology (such as a chest strap or medical-grade heart monitor) is the way to go.

I read the reviews before buying in and purchased mine with my eyes open, not expecting chest-strap monitor accuracy. My Charge HR detects rest vs. mild vs. high-intensity activity, and tells me when my resting pulse is high, and I'm happy with that.

It peeves me that Fitbit is actively marketing these monitors as a great way to monitor during high-intensity exercise. Given that real-world experience has shown that this is not the case, then yes, I think that they should face some legal scrutiny regarding their continued marketing claims. Truth in advertising and all that.

Raynne413

Pawsforme wrote: »

Mine seems pretty accurate, but I don't do much really high intensity cardio. I wonder how much is user error? Fitbit says that during high intensity cardio activities the trackers work better if they're moved higher up the arm (toward the elbow). I wonder how many people aren't aware of that, or are aware but ignore it?

It didn't matter where I placed mine, or how snug the band was. Oddly enough, I found with my Garmin that I get a more consistent reading when I wear it on my right wrist, so I am wondering if the same would have helped the FitBit. I broke my left art twice as a kid, near the wrist, and wonder if that affected how my veins and capillaries developed?

jdhcm2006

Pawsforme wrote: »

Mine seems pretty accurate, but I don't do much really high intensity cardio. I wonder how much is user error? Fitbit says that during high intensity cardio activities the trackers work better if they're moved higher up the arm (toward the elbow). I wonder how many people aren't aware of that, or are aware but ignore it?

If they want people to wear it higher towards the elbow during high intensity cardio, then they should include a larger band. I have the small band, and it's not large enough to wear it towards my elbow. If they are meaning mid-arm, then the band is large enough, but anything above that is going to need a larger band. Also, I did wear it mid-arm and I also turned it so it was on the inside of my arm where the veins were more visible and it's still not that accurate for high cardio.

Raynne413

jdhcm2006 wrote: »

Pawsforme wrote: »

Mine seems pretty accurate, but I don't do much really high intensity cardio. I wonder how much is user error? Fitbit says that during high intensity cardio activities the trackers work better if they're moved higher up the arm (toward the elbow). I wonder how many people aren't aware of that, or are aware but ignore it?

If they want people to wear it higher towards the elbow during high intensity cardio, then they should include a larger band. I have the small band, and it's not large enough to wear it towards my elbow. If they are meaning mid-arm, then the band is large enough, but anything above that is going to need a larger band. Also, I did wear it mid-arm and I also turned it so it was on the inside of my arm where the veins were more visible and it's still not that accurate for high cardio.

I also tried wearing the band higher, and unless I made it tight enough to cut off circulation, it would slip down my arm once I got sweaty when I was punching during my kickboxing.