Can runners use a pulse oximeter during a run?

Jan 22
08:35

2011

Jacob  Walters

Jacob Walters

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Running while using a pulse oximeter to monitor health.

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So many runners have asked whether they can actually use a pulse oximeter while they are running to monitor their health. The answer to this question is a resounding yes. The modern pulse oximeter devices are made to be portable as well as durable thus being able to withstand many different environments and delivering the results that are needed by performance runners. The device is a medical and health device that measures the pulse rate and the blood oxygen saturation of an individual within seconds. All you need to do is place your finger inside the mechanism and then before you know it you get your vital signs measures. Based on those results you can determine if you are functioning at optimal health or not. Being small and portable is especially helpful to runners because they can take it with them wherever they want to go. The reason why runners would need to actually is a pulse oximeter is because they may want to keep tabs on their pulse rate during exercise or to even see if they are getting enough oxygen when they are exercising. By using the device during their exercise then all they do is take out the small product and insert their finger in it. This can all occur while the person is still running without actually disrupting the whole process. Once this is done then the next thing that they can do is either keep it on for continuous readings or to put it back. If they opt to use the lanyard then the great thing is that it can just hang around either the wrist or the neck thus allowing for easy access for measurements. Being small and portable is such a factor for these individuals and is truly a great health tool for runners. A pulse oximeter works quite effectively to measure the pulse rate as well as the blood oxygen saturation of an individual The device is only a fraction of the size of a typical cell phone and thus it is extremely portable. It also is very accurate and instantly gives a reading of the oxygen saturation as well as pulse rate within seconds. By inserting your finger inside the portable device an infrared light passes through you finger. Hemoglobin absorbs light at different frequencies and as such the infrared light that goes through the finger bounces back to the oximeter device computer with a number that represents the oxygen levels of the body. This number means the world to people who live with conditions that require accurate monitoring of the oxygen levels in the body. Oximeter devices continue to break ground not only in the hospital setting but also the home setting as well. No longer do individuals need to be at their physician’s office or a hospital in order to take advantage of such a device to monitor their health. The newest generations of devices are not only extremely small and portable but they also are extremely affordable. So individuals living with various health conditions that are necessary to measure their oxygen levels can now use the device in the comfort of their home without ever having to worry about not monitoring their health on a continuous basis. The portability also allows them to take the device wherever they desire to go.