PLoS One May 2025 PMID 40373042

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

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

Mentions

7
Peak: 5 in Sep 2025
across 3 sources since Sep 2025

Extended reach

4,825
potential audience

Total likes

18

Video views

269

Mentions per month

Sep 2025

All 5 dated mentions so far are from Sep 2025.

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

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.

AgreementModerate 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.

InterestModerate 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.

EngagementModerate engagement

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

ImpactNeutral 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.

Abstract in brief

  • 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.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr Cailbhe Doherty
@DohertyCailbhe · X

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.

Sep 16, 2025 · 11 likes · 2 shares · 787 followers View post →
UCD High Performance Gym
@UCD_HPG · X

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

Sep 16, 2025 · 2 shares · 2,388 followers View post →

All mentions

UCD High Performance Gym
@UCD_HPG · X

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

Sep 16, 2025 · 2 shares · 2,388 followers View post →
UCD Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science
@ucd_sphpss · X

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

Sep 16, 2025 · 2 shares · 1,370 followers View post →
Dr Cailbhe Doherty
@DohertyCailbhe · X

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.

Sep 16, 2025 · 11 likes · 2 shares · 787 followers View post →