In order to empower users to be more active for dramatic long-term health benefits, Apple Watch users can view their cardio fitness level in the Health app on iPhone with iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2. It further enables users to receive a notification on Apple Watch if it falls within the low range. This technology launched in watchOS 7 enables Apple Watch to easily measure low cardio fitness.
According to the tech giant, Apple Watch with watchOS 7 uses multiple sensors, including the optical heart sensor, GPS, and the accelerometer to estimate lower levels. This is significant because direct measurement of VO2 max typically requires a rigorous clinical test with specialised equipment that is not readily accessible to most people.
Furthermore, the watchOS 7 enables Apple Watch to take cardio fitness measurements as users walk throughout the day, whether or not they are tracking a workout. It also enables Apple Watch is better able to measure VO2 max for users with low cardio fitness.
“Cardio fitness is increasingly recognised as a powerful predictor of overall health, and with today’s update to watchOS 7, we are making it even more accessible to more people. Using its advanced sensors, Apple Watch now brings estimation of low cardio fitness levels from clinics directly to a user’s wrist, so people have more insight into how they can improve their long-term health through daily activity,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
Additionally, the iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 enable Apple Watch users to visit the Cardio Fitness category in the Health app on iPhone to review whether their cardio fitness level is classified as high, above average, below average, or low, relative to people in their same age group and of the same sex, according to data from the Fitness Registry and Importance of Exercise National Database (FRIEND).
Apple users they can also see how their cardio fitness level has changed over the past week, month, or year. If a user’s level falls within the low range, they can receive a notification on Apple Watch, along with guidance on improving it over time and having a conversation with their doctor. Apple Watch users can visit the Health app on iPhone to set up the Cardio Fitness Levels feature and turn on cardio fitness notifications.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by VO2 max, is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise, and it can be increased through physical activity. Apple Watch already estimates average and higher levels of VO2 max during vigorous outdoor walks, runs, or hikes, which many runners and other athletes monitor to improve performance.
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