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Contact Heart Rate
Through the use of stainless steel sensors built into the handle bar and using
sophisticated software, heart rate can be checked at any time during a workout.
As with the wireless telemetry chest belt, the heart rate is shown on the display
in the same manner.
The contact heart rate system’s ability to detect a heart rate signal is influenced
by several factors. Movement of the muscles of the upper body produces an
electrical signal (muscle artifact) that will interfere with the detection of the
heart rate signal by the sensors. Movement of the hands while they are in
contact with the sensors also produces interference. Calluses and hand lotion
act as an insulating layer to reduce the signal strength. Also, the EKG signal
generated by some individuals is not strong enough to be detected by the
sensors. These individuals should opt for the telemetry method of heart
rate monitoring.
Contact heart rate input signals are acquired only during contact between your
hands and the stainless steel sensors on the handrails. To use the contact heart
rate feature, place your hands around the handles so that your hands touch both
the top and the bottom of the sensors. After the initial contact heart rate signal
is detected, the controller will enter a validation phase requiring a good heart
beat signal within 10 to 15 seconds, or until the system acquires a valid signal.
During the validation phase the controller will not recognize telemetry heart rate
signals. The controller will display a heart icon. If, during exercise, the heart
rate displayed is erratic, it may be helpful to remove your hands from the handles,
wipe them and place them back on the handles. In all programs, the heart rate is
shown automatically in the display window the first time the sensors
are touched.
HEART RATE MONITORING
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