Smartwatches detect heart rate using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. Infrared light penetrates your skin and measures changes in blood vessels to produce pulse data. While this method delivers results close to the accuracy of clinical devices, it’s crucial that the sensor maintains full contact with the skin and is free from motion artifacts.
How does heart rate analysis work in smartwatches?
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But I was wondering how sensitive this PPG sensor actually is—can it still give accurate readings even while running or biking?
I put on my new smartwatch last week and worked out for the first time to try out the PPG sensor. My heart rate was displayed incorrectly on the screen while running because the watch wasn't fitting snugly on my wrist—the sensor wasn’t making proper contact with my skin. Once I tightened it up, the data started improving, but it messed up again whenever my arm moved too much. So yeah, the sensor’s contact issue is a real deal-breaker!