E 84
Predicted maximum heart rate
(HR
max
-p)
The HR
max
-p definition is carried out simultaneously with the Polar Fitness
Test.
The HR
max
-p score predicts your individual maximum heart rate value more
accurately than the age-based formula (220 - age). The age-based method
provides a rough estimation and is thus not very accurate, especially for
people who have been fit for many years or for older people. The most
accurate way of determining your individual maximum heart rate is to have
it clinically measured (in maximal treadmill or bicycle stress test) by a
cardiologist or an exercise physiologist.
Your maximum heart rate changes to some extent in relation to your
fitness. Regular exercise tends to decrease HR
max
whereas reduced training
tends to increase it. There may also be some variation according to the
sport you participate in. For example, running HR
max
> cycling HR
max
>
swimming HR
max
.
HR
max
-p gives the possibility of defining training intensities as percentages
of maximum heart rate and of following maximum heart rate changes due
to training, without an exhaustive maximal stress test. HR
max
-p is based on
resting heart rate, heart rate variability at rest, age, gender, height, body
weight and maximal oxygen uptake, VO
2max
(measured or predicted). The
most accurate HR
max
-p is obtained by entering your clinically measured
VO
2max
into the wrist unit.
