Energy balance
Heart rate monitoring provides a convenient and relatively inexpensive objective measure of energy expenditure, but its accuracy is limited by inter-individual variability in the HR-VO2 relationship and differences in movement efficiency.
Heart rate monitors are a convenient and affordable way to estimate energy expenditure, but they are not perfectly accurate for everyone. To get the best results, you should calibrate the monitor to your own body through a sub-maximal exercise test. Be aware that HR monitors are less accurate for upper-body exercises if calibrated on lower-body exercises, and during rest or light activity.
Estimation of EE and PA via HR monitoring is popular, convenient, relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, and versatile... Despite considerable inter-individual variability in the slope of the HR–VO2 relationship, the linear relationship is consistent for an individual across a range of sub-maximal tasks (64, 65). Inter-individual differences are predominantly a reflection of differences in movement efficiency, age, and fitness.
Why this rating
The paper describes it as 'popular' and 'versatile' but notes 'important limitations' and 'considerable inter-individual variability'.
Source
Assessment of Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure: An Overview of Objective Measures
Andrew P. Hills et al. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2014
DOI 10.3389/fnut.2014.00005
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