Are step trackers really that accurate in measuring energy expenditure?
I've seen some fitbit users make some highly suspect claims on calories burned based on steps.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-ne...es-burned.html
Quote:
|
A Stanford inquiry into the accuracy of seven wristband activity monitors showed that six out of seven devices measured heart rate within 5 percent. None, however, measured energy expenditure well.
|
https://themarkup.org/ask-the-markup...itness-tracker
Quote:
|
Another recent study tested four trackers—the Apple Watch Series 4, Polar Vantage V, Garmin Fenix 5, and Fitbit Versa—and concluded that while the Apple Watch and the Polar Vantage V did pretty well at measuring heart rate, none of the four should be used to monitor energy expenditure at the levels tested, which ranged from sitting to sprinting.
|
https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearab...ness-trackers/
Quote:
|
A recent meta-analysis covering 60 previously published studies showed that fitness trackers are not very accurate at measuring energy expenditure, especially for less vigorous activities like walking or housework. But once again, that doesn’t mean that they’re useless. If you’re aiming to lose weight and want to count calories burned as part of a diet and exercise effort, then fitness trackers can help you do it.
|