Validation of Mi Band Smart Watch for Fitness Tracking

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of Mi Band (Mi Band 4) smart watch for fitness tracking. Fifteen (n=15; Height: 1.71 ± 4.0 m; Weight: 66.5 ± 9.5 kg) recreational athletes (Age 23.0 ± 0.53) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants attended three sessions; one to familiarise them with the procedures and two trials to determine the reliability and validity of Mi Band smart watch in middle distance running. The participants wore the same Mi Band smart watch and were asked to run 5 km on the running track in two occasions separated by seven days. No differences recorded in the environment between trials (Temperature: 27.6 ± 1.1 Cº; Humidity: 73 ± 5.3 %: P < 0.05). The results showed there were no significant differences between running distance (4.3 ± 0.49, 4.3 ± 0.46 km; P < 0.05), pace of running (7.27 ± 0.37, 7.2 ± 0.36, P < 0.05) and heart rate (163 ± 10.2, 160 ± 13.3 bpm; P < 0.05) between trials. However, calories burned showed significant differences where in Trial 1 participants burned more calories compared to Trial 2 (396 ± 77.3, 376 ± 60.4 kcal; P > 0.05). The reliability testing showed strong to moderate reliability in time of completion of running (r=0.964, P < 0.05) distance of running (r=0.983, P < 0.05) and pace of running (r=0.527, P < 0.05). No significant correlation in heart rate between trials and calorie burned (P > 0.05). The validity of the Mi Band smart watch showed significant positive correlation between middle distance running and distance recorded in the Mi Band (r=0.483, P < 0.05). We conclude that the Mi Band underestimated distance running, however the Mi Band is sufficiently reliable and valid for fitness tracking especially in pace of running and exercise intensity.