Faculty and students from the Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences department recently published an article in Sensors. James W. Navalta (Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences), Olivia R. Perez (MS Kinesiology), Rodolfo Mejia (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences), Jennifer A. Bunn (Sam Houston State University) published an article titled, "The Effect of Tattoos on Heart Rate Validity in the Polar Verity Sense Commercial Wearable Device."
They reported that heart rate measurements from a commercially available wearable device placed over tattoo skin were inaccurate, especially during rest, with error decreasing as exercise intensity increased. Skin tone was a significant predictor of measurement error during rest and walking, while tattoo characteristics, such as age and intensity, did not affect heart rate accuracy. Excluding tattooed individuals from research studies may compromise generalizability and equity, highlighting the need for inclusive methodologies and improved sensor technologies.
