Investigating the accuracy of Apple Watch VO2 max measurements: A validation study.

Rory Lambe, Ben O'Grady, Maximus Baldwin, Cailbhe Doherty

May 2025 PLoS One

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Discussions reflect a neutral stance with some interest in the accuracy issues, exemplified by questions like 'how accurate is it?' and acknowledgment that the device 'underestimated VO2 max by ~6 ml/kg/min,' with tone indicating cautious optimism about its future usefulness for trend tracking rather than clinical precision.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the study’s finding that the Apple Watch tends to underestimate VO2 max, indicating moderate agreement with the publication's results.

I
Interest
 Moderate level of interest

The posts show a moderate level of curiosity, especially about the accuracy and limitations, as seen in phrases like 'how accurate is it?' and mentioning underestimations.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Comments briefly engage with the topic by discussing the measurement limitations, but lack deep analysis or extensive debate, reflecting moderate engagement.

I
Impact
 Neutral impact

The conversations highlight the potential usefulness for trend monitoring rather than clinical accuracy, suggesting a modest perceived impact of the research on current health monitoring practices.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

3 Posts

News

2 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

269

Total Likes

18

Extended Reach

4,825

Social Features

7

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Assessing Apple Watch Series 10 Accuracy in Measuring VO2 Max

Assessing Apple Watch Series 10 Accuracy in Measuring VO2 Max

VO max is a key indicator of fitness and health, typically measured through lab tests. The Apple Watch Series 10 estimates VO max from submaximal exercise, and this study compares its accuracy against lab equipment with 40 participants.

Dr Cailbhe Doherty

September 10, 2025

174 views

Assessing Apple Watch VO2 Max Accuracy Compared to Lab Tests

Assessing Apple Watch VO2 Max Accuracy Compared to Lab Tests

VO max is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. This study compares Apple Watch estimates with lab-based cardiopulmonary tests, finding that the watch underestimates VO max by about 6 ml/kg/min, with a 13 error margin. Suitable for trend tracking but limited for clinical use.

Dr Cailbhe Doherty

September 9, 2025

95 views

  • UCD High Performance Gym
    @UCD_HPG (Twitter)

    RT @DohertyCailbhe: Apple Watch estimates VO₂ max from submaximal exercise, but how accurate is it? In our study of 40 adults, it underest…
    view full post

    September 16, 2025

    2

  • UCD Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science
    @ucd_sphpss (Twitter)

    RT @DohertyCailbhe: Apple Watch estimates VO₂ max from submaximal exercise, but how accurate is it? In our study of 40 adults, it underest…
    view full post

    September 16, 2025

    2

  • Dr Cailbhe Doherty
    @DohertyCailbhe (Twitter)

    Apple Watch estimates VO₂ max from submaximal exercise, but how accurate is it? In our study of 40 adults, it underestimated VO₂ max by ~6 ml/kg/min—often a whole fitness category. Useful for trends, not precision.
    view full post

    September 16, 2025

    11

    2

Abstract Synopsis

  • The study examined how accurately the Apple Watch can measure VO2 max, a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and overall health, by comparing its results to those obtained from the standard indirect calorimetry method.
  • Results showed that the Apple Watch generally underestimated VO2 max, with notable variability and an average error around 0.69 mL/kg/min, suggesting that its measurements are not yet precise enough for clinical use.
  • Despite current limitations, the study suggests that with further improvements, the Apple Watch could become a practical and less resource-intensive option for estimating VO2 max, especially for everyday health monitoring.]