Heart rate monitors

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What is a pulse?

The pulse (Latin for shock) refers to the human heart rate and the number of heartbeats or pulse waves in the blood vessel system that are triggered by the heart per time interval. The heart rate that a person has at rest is called the resting pulse. The pulse can be felt quite easily on the wrist and provides information about how fast the heart pumps blood through our body. Furthermore, the pulse provides information about the state of health of our body and how stressed we are, for example. Pulse monitors are based on three different measurement methods (the measured variable is: sound, electrical heart voltage or light absorption), whereby electrodes are placed on different parts of the body and measurements are taken. Common forms are chest straps, upper arm cuffs, wristbands, finger clamps and ear clip clamps.

What types of pulse monitors are there?

Heart rate monitor with chest strap

A heart rate monitor with chest strap is worn below the chest and measures the heart rate using two integrated skin electrodes. The R-impulses are recorded via the electrodes, which are emitted via the skin. A film of moisture between the skin and the electrodes is necessary to minimise skin resistance. During sporting activities, this forms very quickly by itself due to the increased body sweat that accumulates under the chest strap. In all other cases, the electrodes must be moistened with electrode gel or water before the chest strap is put on. The power supply is usually provided by a lithium button cell. The measured heart rate value is transmitted as a VLF radio signal with a short range. A wristwatch-sized microcomputer is usually used as the receiver and evaluation unit. Modern pulse monitors send their measured data to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth.

Pulse measurement via the finger

Pulse monitors can measure the skin conductance values via built-in electrodes. The skin conductance value provides information about tension and relaxation and is a common stress indicator. This means that you can determine your own stress level and, with the help of biofeedback training, effectively reduce it, for example.

Stationary pulse monitors

In fitness studios, there are stationary pulse monitors directly on the sports equipment. The pulse is measured here using two electrodes that measure the pulse via the hands and display it on the display of the sports equipment.

Ear pulse monitors

There are also wireless ear pulse monitors that measure the pulse and other vital signs easily and conveniently by optical means in the external auditory canal and track and output the data in conjunction with any terminal device, such as a fitness app, bike computer or sports watch. Such wireless ear pulse monitors are usually used by athletes who do not want to wear a cumbersome chest strap during their training.

Pulse measurement on the wrist

Pulse monitors in the form of activity trackers, such as a wristwatch, offer the option of measuring the pulse optically on the wrist using light. The device sends light, usually in the green wavelength range, into the tissue on the wrist and measures the reflected light. Blood absorbs light very strongly in this wavelength range. The pulsing of the blood vessels also causes the measured light intensity to fluctuate. The heart rate is determined from this signal and output via the activity tracker.

What are the advantages of a heart rate monitor?

Heart rate monitors offer a wide range of benefits that help to monitor and improve health. Here are some of the most important aspects:

Health monitoring

Heart rate monitors provide valuable information about a person's health and stress levels. They can help improve stress management by showing patterns and deviations in heart rate. This enables the early detection of potential health problems such as arrhythmia or other cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring can help to take preventive measures and minimise long-term health risks.

Protection against overtraining

In the field of sports, heart rate monitors are indispensable for avoiding overloading the body. They provide real-time information on the heart rate, which enables athletes to adjust their training intensity accordingly. By avoiding overexertion, the risk of injury can be reduced and recovery periods optimised.

More efficient training

Heart rate monitors help athletes to make their training more efficient. By monitoring their heart rate, they can ensure that they stay in the optimal training zone. This leads to better utilisation of training time and an increase in performance. It is particularly important for endurance sports to keep an eye on the heart rate in order to improve aerobic capacity and maximise fat burning.

Motivation and feedback

The real-time data provided by heart rate monitors can serve as a powerful source of motivation. Users receive instant feedback on their physical exertion and recovery periods, which can lead to better self-assessment and continuous improvement. This direct feedback can be particularly helpful in motivating oneself and consistently pursuing one's goals.

Awareness of a vital lifestyle

Awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle is stronger today than ever before. This can be attributed to various factors, such as age, chronic illnesses or a general desire for greater security in terms of one's own health. In addition to daily exercise and a healthy diet, technical aids are playing an increasingly important role in health monitoring and promotion.

Simple and uncomplicated monitoring

Pulse monitors make it possible to monitor vital signs such as the pulse without invasive procedures. One example of this is the pulse oximeter, which measures blood pressure and the oxygen content of the blood. These devices are user-friendly and can be used both at home and on the go. They are simply placed on a finger, usually the index finger, and quickly and reliably provide the desired measurements.

Conclusion

Heart rate monitors are valuable tools for monitoring health and optimising training. They provide precise and reliable data that enables you to better understand and manage your own state of health. Whether it is to avoid overloading in sports, to improve training performance or for general health monitoring – the benefits of these devices are manifold and contribute to a more conscious and healthier lifestyle.