Samsung and the University of Michigan are improving smartwatch technology for runners

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and the University of Michigan, through the University of Michigan Exercise & Sport Science Initiative (ESSI) are researching smartwatch technology to help runners monitor their health and physical activity with accurate and reliable data.

The Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR), the core research center of the Exercise and Sport Science Initiative (ESSI), will lead an eight-month study using the Galaxy Watch series to estimate VO2 max and sweat loss of the participants during the run. This study will compare baseline data with data collected by smartwatches in both treadmill (indoor) and outdoor running tests over distances between 2.5 km and 20 km.

*VO2 max, also known as maximal oxygen consumption, is a measure of a person’s ability to use oxygen during intense physical exertion. This measure reflects the ability of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to deliver oxygen to the cellular level, where it is used to produce energy. VO2 max is often used to assess a person’s level of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity, and is an important measure in sports training and health assessment. The higher the VO2 max, the more intense physical effort a person can sustain and the better their aerobic capacity.

Runners of all levels face issues such as sweat loss, dehydration and heat management, especially during the summer months. The Samsung and University of Michigan teams hope the findings from this study will help improve smartwatch technology by giving runners more accurate measurements of their health to help address these issues.

Samsung chose the MiPR lab for this study because of its strong relationships in the wearables technology industry and the running community, as well as the unique expertise of its researchers. The research team includes experts in fields such as sports medicine, running injuries, sports performance and wearable technology.

“Samsung is committed to providing deeper insights into health by collaborating with industry leaders and academic institutions. We are excited to partner with the University of Michigan’s Exercise and Sports Science Initiative, experts in fitness and sports health, in an effort to bring new insights to runners who rely on the Galaxy Watch series for personalized accuracy and motivation,” said Hon. Pak, Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business Division at Samsung Electronics.

“For the Michigan Performance Research Lab, the opportunity to partner with Samsung and utilize the advanced technology and health and wellness monitoring devices on one of the most popular smartwatches adds value to our research. It is truly motivating to be a part of this study that brings significant benefits to our community. We have received extremely positive feedback from participants who want to improve their performance and apply this knowledge to their training,” says Ken Kozloff, ESSI Co-Director and member of the research team.

The recently launched Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic offer personalized fitness coaching, advanced sleep management and health monitoring to keep users motivated and focused on their goals. For runners, the new Personalized Heart Rate Zone feature provides five optimal levels of running intensity based on individual physical capabilities, allowing users to set goals based on their own abilities. In addition, the Track Run feature helps runners record their runs on the track. During your run, Galaxy Watch provides detailed analysis, including asymmetry, regularity and ground contact time, to help improve performance and reduce injury risk.