Influence of skin pigmentation on the accuracy and data quality of photoplethysmographic heart rate measurement during exercise.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Wearable devices often use photoplethysmography to estimate heart rate (HR) by measuring light reflected from the cutaneous vascular bed. Notably, higher melanin content of the epidermis may reduce the amount of light transmitted through the skin. Previous studies examining the impact of skin tone on photoplethysmographic HR measurement accuracy have produced mixed results; however, none measured epidermal melanin content.

Purpose

To determine whether objectively measured skin pigmentation influences the accuracy of photoplethysmographic HR measurement during rest, exercise, and recovery.

Methods

Skin pigmentation was quantified from colorimeter measures using Individual Typology Angle (ITA°), a strong correlate of epidermal melanin, in 28 healthy adults

SUBMITTER: Mulholland AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12948776 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature