Samsung working with researchers to improve VO2 Max accuracy on Galaxy Watches

Samsung has announced that it has partnered with the University of Michigan’s Exercise & Sport Science Initiative (ESSI) for a research partnership that aims to improve the workout tracking accuracy of Galaxy Watches. The research will focus on smartwatch technologies that can offer more accurate VO2 Max and sweat loss data. With improved accuracy, Galaxy Watches can help runners better manage their health and physical activity.

This eight-month study that will be conducted by Samsung and the University of Michigan will oversee the performance of Galaxy Watches in measuring VO2 Max and sweat loss. Data from the smartwatch will be compared with clinical-level VO2 Max measurement using CPET (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing) and sweat loss according to the weight change. Tests will be done for both indoor and outdoor running trials of different distances, ranging from 2.5km to 20km.

Samsung’s joint research with the University of Michigan can improve the accuracy of Galaxy Watches

Runners can face sweat loss, dehydration, and heat management issues during workouts, especially during the summer. So, Samsung and the University of Michigan’s ESSI hope to find ways that can help runners during their workouts. Future Galaxy Watches may be able to tell runners how much water to drink to avoid performance loss.

The South Korean firm chose MiPR Lab (Michigan Performance Research Laboratory) for this study due to its established relationships with the wearable tech industry and running community. Another reason to choose MiPR was the unique skill sets of researchers. Co-PIs Adam Lepley (Associate Director – Research), Alexandra DeJong Lempke (Associate Director – Academics), and Ken Kozloff (Co-Director of ESSI) have expertise in running-related performance and injury, sports medicine, and wearable technologies. The ESSI MiPR lab has also collaborated with the University of Michigan’s Athletic Department, professional sports organizations, and industry leaders to derive meaningful data insights from wearable technologies.

The insights that Samsung will derive from this joint research will help the company in improving the workout tracking accuracy in the future. The company hasn’t revealed whether data from the ongoing research will make it to existing Galaxy Watches or if it could only be used in future Galaxy Watches.