Garmin Vivofit and Polar Loop New Step Accuracy Test By HRWC
Bozeman, MT (PRWEB) May 11, 2014 -- Polar Loop and Garmin Vivofit activity tracker bracelets came on the scene in the second half of 2013 and the step accuracy of these two bands tested very well recently in tests conducted by the Heart Rate Watch Company.
"We've tested both of these bands for heart rate functionality, which is accurate but wanted to test them side-by-side against an actual step count on a 5 kilometer course," says Rusty Squire, President of the Heart Rate Watch Company. He adds, "These bands are surprisingly accurate on heart rate and have a very small margin of error on steps."
The Results
The exact number of total steps manual counted for the 5 kilometer course, which is 3.1 miles, was 5,864. "Garmin Vivofit measured 5,596 steps while the Polar Loop measured 5,619 steps," says Squire. He adds, "This is phenomenal accuracy on steps as both units were within less than one percent margin of error."
"Distance accuracy on the Vivofit was not so great as it measured 2.68 miles versus the 3.1 miles covered," says Squire. He adds, "Expecting distance accuracy from accelerometers is not possible unless you allow calibration or get the new Garmin Forerunner 15 because it uses GPS for distance."
"Calorie algorithms and stride length will not be completely accurate with these bands but I'm very satisfied with their step count accuracy," says Squire.
Calories
"The calorie algorithms for heart rate monitors vary quite a bit from company to company and need to take into account age, weight, height, sex and heart rate tested in a VO2 test," says Squire. He adds, "None of the activity tracker bands on the market today do that, so they are not as accurate as Polar heart rate monitors for instance."
The Real Benefits Of Activity Trackers
"We think the main benefit of activity trackers is honestly accountability and consciousness," says Squire. He adds, "They keep you accountable for activity goals and conscious of them."
"Measured heart rate during actual activity is where the real benefit lies as long as you understand the principles of heart rate based training," says Squire. He adds, "We give every customer our book "How To Successfully Use A Heart Rate Monitor" to help them understand this process."
Call The Experts
"If you would like to talk to a real expert about heart rate monitors, activity trackers or GPS watches then simply call us at 866-586-7129," says Squire. he adds, "We think you'll appreciate talking with folks that actually test and use the products they sell because that is where the real value is."
Rusty Squire, President, Heart Rate Watch Company, http://www.heartratewatchcompany.com, +1 866-586-7129, [email protected]
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