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Hand Pulse Technology
This product comes equipped with hand pulse sensors which are used to pick up tiny EKG/ECG signals that run
through the body when your heart beats. These electrical EKG/ECG signals are very small and that they must be
amplified 1000 times to make the signal useful for the computer to display your pulse.
To ensure proper operation:
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The user must maintain good, consistent contact on all four sensors
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The users skin cannot be too dry or too wet
Other factors that could affect the reading:
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Change of grip on the sensors (during slow pace walking and up to running)
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Tightening of hand muscles will produce small electrical signals
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Static electricity charges from the air or from walking on the treadmill
EKG/ECG Sensors may filter through actual EKG/ECG signals and “Noise” factors that may affect the reading. This will
cause the pulse reading to be delayed and will take longer to update the display as the heart rate changes. Too much
noise will create an incorrect reading. Medical conditions or having no electrical signal in the hands are other factors
that may affect pulse readings as well.
These are limitations of hand pulse technology and even the most expensive systems (which can cost upwards of
$3,000) used in hospitals have the same problems. The difference is that a patient in a hospital is not running on a
treadmill. Hand pulse technology works well on stationary exercise machines like bikes and even elliptical cross
trainers but are not perfect on a treadmill. We offer treadmills with a wireless heart rate receiver which may be a
more accurate option.
To test if your hand pulse sensors are working up to specification, hold them while standing on the side step rails,
not walking, and see if the reading is more in line with what you would expect. This will eliminate the movement and
static electricity factors. If your hands are dry, then wet them slightly (saliva works as a great conductor if this
doesn’t bother you).
For more information, please contact our Lifespan Fitness Technical Support Department
Summary of Contents for ERG-400
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