Estimating an individual’s Fitness Level whilst walking will be added to the Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment as part of the next update on September 2, 2018.
A new algorithm developed by Firstbeat has made it possible to estimate an individual’s VO2max – traditionally measured in a laboratory – from self-paced, everyday walking. Subjectively evaluating your own fitness can be tough. The new Fitness Level score gives individuals an objective estimate of their current aerobic fitness compared to their age and gender peers. For professionals, it provides a valuable tool to gauge the success of client fitness plans and creates a clear pathway to recommend physical activity.
Accurately measuring VO2max has largely been confined to complex laboratory testing which requires intense physical exertion and measurements of respiratory gases. The Firstbeat algorithm used in the Fitness Level feature simplifies this process and makes estimations possible from real-life, self-paced walking activity without the need for a special test. A client’s Fitness Level can be estimated so long as the 3-day measurement data includes at least one continuous 30-minute brisk-moderate walk covering at least 2 km.
More information will be released on September 3rd.