FITNESS GIZMOS ‘GIVE BAD INFO’
FITNESS trackers accurately measure heart rate but are “way off the mark” when it comes to counting calories burned, according to new research.
Scientists measured the accuracy of seven wristband activity trackers – including Fitbit and Apple Watch – used by millions of people to monitor exercise and health.
They found the devices proved to give inaccurate readings by a “significant” amount when keeping a ® check on energy burned. The most accurate was out by 27% while the worst was off by 93%, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the US.
Senior researcher Professor Euan Ashley said: “People are basing life decisions on the data provided by these devices but it’s difficult for consumers to know how accurate such information is.”