What Is SpO2 And Can Sport Smartwatches Measure It Reliably?
What Is SpO2 And Can Sport Smartwatches Measure It Reliably?
Sports smartwatches have risen in popularity as a tool for tracking exercise and health indicators in recent years. One of the health metrics that sports smartwatches may assess is SpO2 or oxygen saturation levels in the blood. SpO2 readings are an essential indicator of respiratory health and can provide valuable information for persons who are concerned about their respiratory health or have underlying medical conditions that affect oxygen saturation levels. In this blog post, we will explore what SpO2 is and why it is important. We will also discuss how sports smartwatches measure SpO2 and the reliability of these measurements. Finally, we will provide some final thoughts on the potential use of sports smartwatches for SpO2 measurement.
Understanding SpO2
SpO2, or peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, is a measure of the oxygen saturation level in the blood, expressed as a percentage. It represents the proportion of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are carrying oxygen, and it is a critical parameter for assessing respiratory function. The normal range of SpO2 is typically between 95-100%, with a value below 90% indicating hypoxia or insufficient oxygen supply to the body's tissues. Low SpO2 levels can result from a range of conditions, including lung diseases, sleep apnea, heart failure, anemia, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, monitoring SpO2 levels can be essential in diagnosing and treating respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.
Sport Smartwatches and SpO2 Measurement
SpO2 levels in sports Smartwatches are frequently measured via reflected detection. This method involves shining a light into the skin and measuring the quantity of light reflected. The volume of reflected light is then utilized to compute the oxygen saturation level in the blood. The blood oxygen measurement of the Vibeat smartwatch relies on the red light and infrared sensors. The principle is that red blood cells with more oxygen absorb red light and infrared in different proportions to calculate blood oxygen.
Reliability of SpO2 measurement by sport smartwatches
The reliability of SpO2 measurement by sports smartwatches can vary, and it is essential to consider several factors when assessing the accuracy of these devices. Some of the factors that can affect the reliability of SpO2 measurement by sports smartwatches include: Sensor quality and calibration: The quality and calibration of the SpO2 sensor in the smartwatch can significantly affect the accuracy of SpO2 measurement. The sensor should be of high quality, properly calibrated, and sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in oxygen saturation levels accurately. Skin pigmentation: Skin pigmentation can interfere with the accuracy of SpO2 measurement as it can affect the amount of light that passes through the skin. People with dark skin pigmentation may experience lower SpO2 readings than their actual oxygen saturation levels. Ambient light conditions: The presence of ambient light can affect the accuracy of SpO2 measurement, as it can interfere with the readings obtained by the sensor. As a result, it is critical to obtain SpO2 measurements in a darkly lighted area. Motion artifact: Motion artifact refers to body movement that might interfere with SpO2 monitoring by sports smartwatches. Motion artifacts can cause erroneous readings or the inability to get a reading entirely. Therefore, while sports smartwatches can provide an easy and practical approach to continually monitoring SpO2 levels, it is critical to investigate the factors that can affect their reliability. They should not be used for diagnostic or clinical purposes. If you have any concerns about your SpO2 levels, seek medical advice.