The heart rate measurement is based on electrical impulses registered from the heart, whereas pulse meters measure peripheral circulation e.g. via an ear clip or a handgrip to calculate the pulse rate. If you use a heart rate controlled exercise program or if the heart rate value is of importance to you, Tunturi recommends using a transmitter belt for continuous heart rate measurement. Pulse measurement is in principle equally accurate, but functionally more limited and for some users unreliable way of measurement.

Wireless (Telemetric) Heart Rate Measurement

Tunturi recommends using the heart rate belt due to its superior reliability and accuracy. Most Tunturi fitness equipment have an inbuilt heart rate receiver for measuring heart rate wirelessly, i.e. telemetrically. When using telemetric measurement, moisten the electrodes carefully and attach the belt so that the electrodes are tightly against the skin. The belt transmits the heart rate signal to appr. 1 meter distance.

When selecting training attire, please note that some fibers used in clothes (e.g. polyester, polyamide) create static electricity, which may prevent reliable heart rate measurement. Please note that a mobile phone, television and other electrical appliances form an electromagnetic field around them, which may cause problems in heart rate measurement. If you suspect this, move your equipment to another place and check the function of heart rate measurement. Tunturi delivers only uncoded Polar transmitters with selected equipment. Notice that uncoded transmitters disturb one another if they are used close (less than 1.5 m) to each other.

How the heart rate is measured?

As the heart rate level changes constantly, the displayed value is always an average from a certain time period. Manufacturers use different algorithms, i.e. mathematical formulas, to calculate the average heart rate value. For this reason, the heart rate values shown in heart rate receiving watches and in Tunturi meter consoles may differ slightly. The faster the change in the heart rate level, the greater the variation in different receivers. Note, too, that Tunturi does not recommend using two receivers in training simultaneously: in some cases a watch receiver may cause interference to the meter console heart rate measurement.

Ear Sensor and Handgrip Pulse Measurement

Ear sensor is an easy way of measuring pulse. When measuring pulse with an ear sensor, make sure the sensor plug is correctly connected to the meter. Attach the ear sensor to the ear lobe and attach the sensor wire for example to the collar with the clip; this prevents the sensor from moving during exercise.

Handgrip pulse is also an easy method for measuring the pulse. It does not require any additional devices, the measuring sensors are an integral part of the product. The pulse measurement is effected by touching the two sensors in the handlebar simultaneously. Handgrip measurement requires that the skin is constantly touching the sensors and that the skin is slightly moist.

Avoid problems when using the pulse measurement:

1. At high heart rate frequencies blood circulates so evenly in the capillaries that the sensors can not distinguish separate pulses. This phenomenon appears usually at around 150 beats per minute, and it is indicated by strongly alternating pulse values or by pulse value disappearing from the display.
2. With the ear sensor, the exerciser may move so that the sensor surfaces do not stay firmly against the ear lobe. Notice that the Tunturi ear sensor design enables measuring pulse on the inside surface of the ear. Furthermore, depending on the anatomy and circulation of the ear lobe, some people may not get a reliable pulse reading with the ear sensor.
3. With the ear sensor, strong light sources close to the user may disturb the infrared sensor light. Notice that the Tunturi ear sensor design enables measuring pulse on the inside surface of the ear.

If measuring from the ear lobe, you can rub it to improve the circulation or try pulse measurement from the tip of a finger. Unlike with the heart rate belt, the accuracy of pulse measurement may vary considerably from person to person.