Predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax-p)

HRmax-p is a score equivalent to maximum heart rate (HRmax). HRmax-p definition is carried out simultaneously with the Polar Fitness Test.

HRmax-p is based on resting heart rate, heart rate variability at rest, age, gender, height, body weight and maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max (measured or predicted). The most accurate HRmax-p is obtained by entering your clinically measured (in maximal treadmill or bicycle stress test) VO2max into the wrist receiver.

The HRmax-p score predicts your individual maximum heart rate value more accurately than the age-based formula (220-age). The age-based method provides an “average” result and is thus not very accurate, especially for people who have been fit for many years or for older people. The most accurate way of determining your individual maximum heart rate is to have it clinically tested (in maximal treadmill or bicycle stress test) by cardiologist or exercise physiologist.

Your maximum heart rate changes to some extent in relation to your fitness. Regular exercise tends to decrease it whereas detraining tends to increase it. There may also be some variation according to the sport you go in for. E.g. running HRmax > cycling HRmax > swimming HRmax.

The HRmax-p gives a possibility to define training intensities as percentages of maximum heart rate and to follow maximum heart rate changes due to training without exhaustive maximal stress test.