University of Michigan study: Samsung Galaxy Watch impressively accurate
Last year, Samsung partnered with the University of Michigan, specifically the Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR), to study and improve the accuracy of Samsung Galaxy Watch readings. They’ve now collected enough data and the university has shared their initial findings.
The MiPR studies found a high correlation between Samsung Galaxy Watch readings and those from sports science reference devices. This included heart rate, body fat percentage, sweat loss, and VO2 max, with the last two readings taken using One UI 4.1. Here’s the breakdown:
- Heart rate: Probably the most commonly used health feature on a watch. The study showed a 90 percent correlation with the electrocardiogram device while running. This is harder than measuring while standing still, as the watch is constantly jumping back and forth.
- Body fat percentage: The watches performed even better here. They showed a 95% correlation with the standard diagnostic test of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
- Sweat loss: This is a measure of the amount of water a runner has lost during their run and is used to guide subsequent rehydration. When tested at distances ranging from 2.5 to 20 km (1.5 to 12 miles), the watches achieved a 95% correlation.
- VO2 max: This measures how much oxygen is absorbed by the body during exercise. Compared to clinical-grade devices, the watches achieved an acceptable correlation of 82%.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Samsung to ensure that innovations in wearable technology are accessible and accurate for all populations.” HPSSC and MiPR are excited to announce these outstanding results, which underscore our commitment to improving heart rate and health monitoring, and look forward to future collaborations.”
Kenneth Kozloff, Co-Director of HPSSC
