View Full Version : ownindex vs Vo2 max
phildorman
08-18-07, 06:40 AM
How inaccurate is Polars "Ownindex" compared to Vo2 max?
Not accurate at all. My ownindex tells me I'm a world class athlete.
rodrigaj
08-18-07, 06:53 PM
I quit using my polar 720i, but as I recall "ownindex" should be used to gauge your overall fitness level against a normative table that is included with the owners manual. The whole thing is pretty gimicky, given that all it does is monitor your resting heart rate for about 5 minutes and then gives you a number.
If you want to know VO2 max, it's best to have it tested properly. This explains the procedure:
http://www.vo2test.com/VO2.htm
NomadVW
08-18-07, 09:10 PM
As a trend value, the Ownindex has proven useful for me. As an absolute value, it's pipe dream :)
It doesn't measure just your resting heart rate. It measures the regularity of your heart rate @ rest - which according to a couple studies they cite has been proven to be an indicator of VO2max.
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