ArticleSensors (Basel, Switzerland)2025
Validation of Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) and Pulse Oximetry in Wearable Technology.
Article in Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Representation of Different Populations in Studies Assessing the Validity of Consumer Wearable Photoplethysmography-Based Measurements: Scoping Review.JMIR mHealth and uHealth · 2026Article
- Consumer Smartwatch Technology in Health and Performance Research: Validity, Limitations, and Real-World Applications.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Motivational Dynamics and Strava Use in Active Club Runners.Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Validity and Practical Application of Muscle Oxygenation Monitoring for Identifying Maximal Fat Oxidation in Cyclists.European journal of sport science · 2025Article
- Recent Advances in Vehicle Driver Health Monitoring Systems.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Accuracy of wearables for determining the maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold: a qualitative systematic review.Frontiers in sports and active living · 2025Review
- Validity of smartwatch-derived estimates of lactate threshold heart rate and pace compared to graded exercise testing.Frontiers in physiology · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionAs wearable technology becomes increasingly popular and sophisticated, independent validation is needed to determine its accuracy and potential applications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy (validity) of VO2max estimates and blood oxygen saturation measured via pulse oximetry using the Garmin fēnix 6 with a general population participant pool.
methodsWe recruited apparently healthy individuals (both active and sedentary) for VO2max (n = 19) and pulse oximetry testing (n = 22). VO2max was assessed through a graded exercise test and an outdoor run, comparing results from the Garmin fēnix 6 to a criterion measurement obtained from a metabolic system. Pulse oximetry involved comparing fēnix 6 readings under normoxic and hypoxic conditions against a medical-grade pulse oximeter. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, error analysis, correlation analysis, equivalence testing, and bias assessment, with the validation criteria set at a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) > 0.7 and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) < 10%.
resultsThe Garmin fēnix 6 provided accurate VO2max estimates, closely aligning with the 15 s and 30 s averaged laboratory data (MAPE for 30 s avg = 7.05%; Lin's concordance correlation coefficient for 30 s avg = 0.73). However, it failed to accurately measure blood oxygen saturation (BOS) under any condition or combined analysis (MAPE for combined conditions BOS = 4.29%; Lin's concordance correlation coefficient for combined conditions BOS = 0.10).
conclusionWhile the Garmin fēnix 6 shows promise for estimating the VO2max, reflecting its utility for both individuals and researchers, it falls short in accurately measuring BOS, limiting its application for monitoring acclimatization and managing pulmonary diseases. This research underscores the importance of validating wearable technology to leverage its full potential in enhancing personal health and advancing public health research.
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