Expertise
Heart rate measurement technology has come a long way since its humble beginnings 40 years ago. What started as a highly-successful strap-on-the-chest solution, has evolved into accurate optical heart rate monitoring that measures heart rate straight from the wrist.
Even though a chest strap is still, in many cases, the most accurate way to measure HR, optical heart rate monitoring is conquering new ground. The convenient usability and performance of optical heart rate monitors is the result of long-term scientific research, both on the technology side and on the physiological side; the new Polar Precision Prime™ sensor (in the Polar Vantage multisport watches) representing the latest breakthrough solution. It solves one of the biggest shortcomings of previous wrist-based optical heart rate monitoring devices: inconsistent data from excess movement. To tackle this challenge and to rule out any motion artifacts that might disturb the heart rate signal and produce unreliable readings, the new Polar Precision Prime’s sensor fusion technology combines optical heart rate measurement with skin contact measurement. The reliable wear detection means the HR measurement is activated only when the product with Polar Precision Prime technology (available on Polar Vantage V and Polar Vantage M) is properly on the wrist, for training sessions and 24/7 activity tracking.