- Heart rate monitor
:"This article refers to a device used by laypersons. For the article on the medical device performing a similar function, see
Electrocardiography ."A heart rate monitor is a device that allows a user to measure their
heart rate in real time. It usually consists of two elements: a chest strap transmitter and a wrist receiver (which usually doubles as awatch ). Strapless heart rate monitors are available as well, but lack some of the functionality of the original design. Advanced models additionally measure heart rate variability to assess a user's fitness.The chest strap has
electrode s in contact with the skin to monitor theelectrical voltages in theheart (seeelectrocardiography for more details). When a heart beat is detected a radio signal is transmitted, which the receiver uses to determine the current heart rate. This signal can be a simple radio pulse or a unique coded signal from the chest strap; the latter prevents one user's receiver from using signals from other nearby transmitters (known ascross-talk interference).There are a wide number of receiver designs, with all sorts of advanced features. These include average heart rate over exercise period, time in a specific heart rate zone,
calories burned, and detailed logging that can be downloaded to a computer.The
Polar Electro company's website states they invented the first accurate, wirelesselectrocardiogram heart rate monitor in 1977, to be used as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. [http://www.polar.fi/en/about_polar/press_room/press_releases/30 About Polar Electro] ]The MIO Watch (http://www.miowatch.com) company website states they invented the first ECG accurate strapless heart rate monitor watch that is used as a weight management tool for consumers along with the patented calorie management system.
In December 2005, Textronics Inc. introduced the first garment with integrated heart sensors in the form of a sports bra. (www.numetrex.com)Special materials in the sports bra sense heart rate from the body and transmit it to a wrist receiver. The garment provides a comfortable alternative to the chest strap.
Today, the same concept of
heart rate training is used by many people for training, weight management & in race performance analysis.References
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