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Firstbeat to Measure VO2max Fitness Level from 30-minute Walk

Former Member over 6 years ago

Herman B, will this new algorithm be incorporated into Garmins V02Max estimation? So that 30 minute walks using the Garmin walking activity app can regularly update TRAINING STATUS, in addition to the running and cycling activity apps?

"Estimating an individual’s Fitness Level whilst walking will be added to the Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment in September 2018. A new algorithm developed by Firstbeat has made it possible to estimate VO2max – traditionally measured in a laboratory – from self-paced everyday walking."

https://www.firstbeat.com/en/news/firstbeat-to-measure-vo2max-fitness-level-from-30-minute-walk/

0 HermanB over 6 years ago

Hi Fred.

The truth is that (at least some) Garmin devices have been able to detect VO2max during walking activities for quite a while now. The vívosmart 3 is a good comparison for what our Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessmentteam is doing in the article you linked. Both are utilizing a combination of heart rate (translated into intensity) and movement speed (derived from accelerometer data not GPS) to estimate VO2max.

Can your FR935 do the same? To be honest, probably, but I'm not 100% sure.

Ceteris paribus, the reliability of a VO2max detected during running is probably preferable over one detected during walking. But if walking is your only option, it might be good enough to do the trick. Although, you'll need to keep up a pretty brisk pace to ensure you reach the sufficient intensity threshold.

Hope that helps.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Hi Herman,

Yes, that helps. I will not use a copy of the running app for brisk walking. I´ll wait and see if Garmin some day expands V02Max detection to brisk walking on the 935.

Thank you for clarifying!