CONTACT HEART RATE
CONTACT HEART RATE
The StairMaster® FreeClimber® 4600 PT/CL features a digitized contact heart rate monitoring system. Through the use of stainless steel sensors built into the upper handles and sophisticated software, heart rate can be checked at any time during a workout. The heart rate is displayed on the console. Contact heart monitoring is standard on the 4600 PT/CL and optional on the 4400 PT/CL.
The contact heart rate system is very accurate (within 3% of the medical standard), but its ability to detect a heart rate signal is influenced by several factors. Movement of the muscles of the upper body produces an electrical signal (muscle artifact) that will interfere with the detection of the heart rate signal by the sensors. Movement of the hands while they are in contact with the sensors also produces interference. Calluses and hand lotion act as an insulating layer to reduce the signal strength. Also, the EKG signal generated by some individuals is not strong enough to be detected by the sensors. Typically, these individuals account for 5 - 7% of the population. These individuals should opt for the Polar® chest strap method of heart rate monitoring. Most people (between 93 – 95%) will not have a problem with the system provided interference from movement is minimal.
Using Contact Heart Rate
Contact heart rate input signals are acquired only during contact between your hands and the stainless steel sensors on the handrails. To use the contact heart rate feature, place your hands around the handles so that your hands touch both the top and the bottom of the sensors. After the initial contact heart rate signal is detected, the console will enter a validation phase requiring a good heart beat signal within 10 to 15 seconds, or until the system acquires a valid signal. During the validation phase the console will not recog- nize telemetry heart rate signals. The console will display a beating double heart icon that has the inner heart colored in while searching for a valid signal. If, during exercise, the heart rate displayed is erratic, it may be helpful to remove your hands from the handles, wipe them and place them back on the handles. In all programs, the heart rate is shown automatically in the display window the first time the sensors are touched.
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