Validity and Reliability of the Polar A300's Fitness Test Feature to Predict VO2max

The Polar A300 fitness watch includes a feature termed the 5-minute fitness test. This feature claims to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Polar A300 “Fitness Test” VO2max estimation feature. Nineteen recreationally active young adult males (n=9) and females (n=10) completed a Bruce protocol treadmill protocol to assess VO2max, followed by two separate 5-minute Polar Fitness Test (VO2max estimation) trials. A Pearson’s r test was used to determine the relationship between VO2max from the Bruce Test to each Polar watch VO2max estimate, as well as to a non-exercise VO2max prediction equation. Additionally, a One Way ANOVA assessed differences in absolute group means of the Polar results to the Bruce Test, and non-exercise prediction model. There was a statistically significant, moderate-strong relationship between the Polar and the criterion Bruce VO2max estimations with the first Polar Test (n=19; r=.635; p<.05), as well as the second (n=19; r=.645; p<.05). The average VO2max of the two Polar tests and the Bruce test show greatest positive correlation (n=19; r=0.655; p<0.001). The reliability of the Polar watch indicated significance between the test-retest results (n=19; r=.907; p<.05). Lastly, the positive correlation between the non-exercise predicted model and the Bruce Test was weaker than the polar predictions (n=19; r=.522; p<.05). Preliminary results conclude that the Polar A300 Fitness watch is a valid tool for estimation of VO2max.