Validation of heart rate measurements from the polar verity sense during the submaximal Ekblom-Bak test in adult individuals with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of Polar Verity Sense, an arm-worn heart rate (HR) monitor, for measuring HR in individuals with obesity during the submaximal ergometer cycle Ekblom-Bak test. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Adults in an inpatient rehabilitation programme for individuals with obesity. METHODS: Participants completed the Ekblom-Bak test wearing the Polar H10 chest strap and 2 Verity Sense devices on the forearm and upper arm. Statistical analyses included intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland-Altman analyses with 95% limits of agreement (LoA), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Feasibility was assessed with a post-test questionnaire. RESULTS: 49 participants were included in the analyses of estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), while 48 were included in analyses of HR data. ICC and CCC values ranged from 0.998-0.999 between the H10 chest strap and Verity Sense measures. Small differences were observed in Bland-Altman plots. MAPE ranged from 0.46% to 0.51%. Feasibility responses from the questionnaire showed that participants preferred the Verity Sense to the H10. CONCLUSION: Polar Verity Sense accurately measures HR and estimates VO2max in adults with obesity during the Ekblom-Bak test. Individuals with obesity may freely opt for either device without sacrificing accuracy during steady-state activities at low and moderate intensities. This choice may eliminate a barrier in assessing their cardiorespiratory fitness.