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garmin versus elbow crutches

TKorona

Garmin does not recognise steps if you use elbow crutches. It also does not recognise floors if you walk with crutches. This is very annoying because walking with crutches is tiring, especially when going up or down stairs. Does anybody know what could be done with this problem?

  • +1

    The fenix 6 series has an internal 3-axis accelerometer that records each complete swing of the arm as two steps. If you're using crutches while you walk, then it's possible that the device isn't recognizing your arm movements as complete steps. The same applies to floors climbed, which use a mix of barometric pressure and movement data. Holding onto a handrail, skipping stairs, or using crutches as you climb can affect credit due to a reduced amount of swing in your arm. To earn credit, you must be moving forward and up.

    One option that you could try is placing the watch in your pocket while walking with crutches to see if that makes any sort of difference, or even wearing the watch on your non-dominant wrist. These alternatives have been known to help improve step accuracy in certain situations.

    The articles below contain additional information:

    You're welcome to use our Ideas Portal to share any improvement suggestions directly with our team of innovators future consideration: Garmin Ideas Portal

  • 0
    TKorona said:
    Does anybody know what could be done with this problem?

    You can wear the watch in the pocket. It will then count the steps (and floors too), however it won't measure the heart rate. If you want both of them, attach the watch to your ankle. Alternatively, you could use the HRM-Pro or HRM 600 chest strap which count steps and measure the heart rate too, though the steps would be only recorded when you do not wear the watch.

    However, the problem could be also the cadence of your walking with crutches. As long as the accelerometer in the watch registers regular bumps in certain cadence range, the steps counter increment. Impulses too slow, or too fast prevent the steps detection. You can test it by trying to walk a bit faster (if possible). If the cadence stays below the steps detection threshold, the problem would be likely the same also with the previously suggested solutions.

  • 0 in reply to trux

    Thank you for your hints. I have tried to wear the watch in the pocket and then it counts both steps and stairs. I counted steps to be sure - the garmin count is correct. However, I do not have the HR, as you mentioned. Attaching to the ankle is not an option now, since we have real winter here with temperatures of -10 to -15C and I prefer not to squeeze my healthy ankle with a watch strap. Therefore, buying a chest strap seems to be the only option (or waiting for taking off the cast and walking on both legs again)