Pros and cons
Pros
- Suitable for most populations
- Low respondent burden for short wearing times
- Easy and quick for data collection and analysis
- Non wearing time easily identified
- Waterproof
- Relatively cheap
- Physical activity may be measured at group level
- Linear relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure at high levels of activity
Cons
- Relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure at low levels of activity is not strong so it will not provide an accurate estimate of activity at this intensity
- A degree of individual calibration is required
- Other factors affect HR:
- Ambient temperature which may be an issue in hot climates
- Caffeine
- Beta blockers are a contraindication to the method
- Anxiety or emotional stress, fear or excitement
- Participant burden increases over longer periods
- The method may be problematic in young children
- Electrodes or chest straps may cause discomfort
- Not always easy to pick up heart rate, due to interference from household devices or a bad connection with the skin which will have to be considered during data cleaning