Validation of an equine fitness tracker: heart rate and heart rate variability

The adoption of fitness tracker devices to monitor training in the equine market is full expansion. However, validity most these has not been assessed. aim this study was examine heart rate (HR) and variability (HRV) measurements during high-intensity exercise by an integrated with electrocardiogram (ECG) (Equimetre) comparison ECG device (Televet). Twenty Thoroughbred racehorses were equipped two completed a session at track. Data from 18 horses readable be analysed. Equimetre HR compared Televet derived corrected ECG. HRV parameters computed dedicated software (Kubios) on uncorrected manually both devices, data. recorded entire calculated recovery periods. A strong correlation between data found (Pearson correlation: r=0.992, P <0.001; root mean square error = 4.06 bpm). For HRV, good for all when comparing (Lin’s coefficient 0.998). When obtained data, still 0.995) but poor, except triangular index 0.995). equally poor <0.9). In conclusion, satisfies criteria monitoring high intensity exercise. using it provides accurate as well.