Suunto launched its new ZoneSense intensity measurement technology. This revolutionary capability is applicable for all endurance sports, and requires no lab testing
ZoneSense uses novel heart rate variability (HRV) features to detect exercise intensity, giving athletes real-time insight into training. The features were developed and validated by MoniCardi, a spinoff from Tampere University that specializes in cardiac monitoring with advanced time-series analysis methods.
In endurance training, the correct intensity of each workout is crucial for achieving optimal results. Historically, athletes have faced challenges to follow workout intensity accurately on a daily basis. Traditional methods often require invasive and cumbersome testing protocols, as is the case with blood samples or gas masks, thus making them impractical for daily use.
Training intensity levels also vary, daily, differing between sports and impacted by external factor such as heat and altitude, making it very difficult to follow if an athlete is working out in desired effort level.
ZoneSense technology addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced HRV analysis to measure the stress levels of the heart during exercise. Using features discovered with dynamical detrended fluctuation analysis (DDFA), ZoneSense correlates stress levels with metabolic states such as aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. This allows athletes to accurately gauge their effort and intensity levels without the need for personal calibration or external testing.
“ZoneSense is a game-changer for athletes looking to optimize their training.” Janne Kallio, Suunto’s head of digital ecosystem at Suunto. “At Suunto, we’ve been focused on helping athletes train more efficiently for years, and one of the biggest challenges has been accurately measuring training intensity. With ZoneSense, powered by MoniCardi’s cutting-edge technology, we are opening new doors in endurance training.”
This marks the first time that this patented technology is being used in a wearable device. The partnership between Suunto and MoniCardi – a start-up company founded by physicists at Tampere University – presents a significant step forward in intelligent heart measurement.
“MoniCardi has conducted years of research on advanced time-series analysis methods and heart behavior, in both exercise and daily life, revealing new insights in the medical and sports domains,” explains Esa Rasanen, CEO, MoniCardi. “Having Suunto as the first company to onboard our research is a great step forward in advancing heart measurement in wearables”.
ZoneSense is now available for Suunto watch owners through after-analysis in the Suunto App, when training with a heart rate belt. Live measurements are available on the latest Suunto models: Suunto Race S, Suunto Race, Suunto 9 Peak Pro and Suunto Vertical. Suunto Ocean will also support ZoneSense, later in Fall 2024.
