Comparative Review of Polar OH1 Plus and Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensors by The Quantified Scientist

In a recent detailed analysis conducted by Rob, a postdoctoral scientist based in Vienna, Austria, and presented on his YouTube channel, The Quantified Scientist, the accuracy of Polar's OH1 Plus optical heart rate sensor is put to the test against the brand's more traditional ECG-based chest strap, the Polar H10. In a series of 25 different training sessions, Rob aimed to determine if the easier-to-use, comfortable design of the OH1 Plus would deliver heart rate measurements consistent with that of the trusted chest strap alternative. Additionally, data from a subscriber was also utilized to compare the OH1 Plus with a Garmin chest strap, providing a broader context for the sensor's performance.

Assuming that chest strap heart rate detection is the most accurate due to the ECG method's capacity for capturing distinct electrical signals from the heart, Rob's analysis focused on the optical sensor technology—PPG—used by the OH1 Plus. This technique, common in many smartwatches, measures changes in blood vessel size under the skin. Rob began with a comprehensive overview of the OH1 Plus's data in comparison to the Polar H10 chest strap. He demonstrated the relationship between the two devices' readings through a scatter plot, where ideally, all measurements would align along a single line indicating perfect agreement.

In assessing the results, a predominantly consistent agreement between the heart rate readings of the Polar H10 and OH1 Plus was observed, especially in the higher heart rate range detected during more intense activities. Through detailed scrutiny of individual training sessions, including spinning and weightlifting, Rob concluded that the OH1 Plus aligns closely with the H10 data. This was evidenced by overlapping lines on various graphs representing individual workout sessions. Although a few deviations were noted, particularly in the medium heart rate zone typically encountered during weightlifting, these fluctuations were minor and did not greatly undermine the general positive assessment of the OH1 Plus’s accuracy.

This meticulous examination of Polar's OH1 Plus by The Quantified Scientist provides valuable insights into the performance of optical sensors compared to chest straps for heart rate monitoring. Seekers of comfortable yet accurate heart rate monitoring devices may consider the OH1 Plus as a strong contender, judging by the results shared by Rob.

For the original analysis and detailed comparison, viewers can visit The Quantified Scientist channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuantifiedScientist.

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YouTube channel - The Quantified Scientist: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuantifiedScientist

Polar OH1+ Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Bluetooth/ANT+