Investigating the accuracy of Garmin PPG sensors on differing skin types based on the Fitzpatrick scale: cross-sectional comparison study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Commercial wearable devices, which are often capable of estimating heart rate via photoplethysmography (PPG), are increasingly used in health promotion. In recent years, researchers have investigated whether the accuracy of PPG-measured heart rate varies based on skin pigmentation, focusing particularly on the accuracy of such devices among users with darker skin tones. As such, manufacturers of wearable devices have implemented strategies to improve accuracy. Given the ever-changing nature of the wearable device industry and the important health implications of providing accurate heart rate estimates for all individuals no matter their skin color, studies exploring the impact of pigmentation on PPG accuracy must be regularly replicated.

Objective

We aimed to cont

SUBMITTER: Icenhower A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11983641 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature