Cutting-edge technology from Tampere University now powers Suunto’s products
Suunto and Tampere University have been collaborating since the autumn of 2023, when the Quantum Control and Dynamics research group headed by Professor of Physics Esa Räsänen introduced a new method for assessing physiological thresholds in endurance sports through heart rate variability characteristics, eliminating the need for lactate or respiratory gas measurements. Their findings, published in Frontiers in Physiology, received wide news coverage.
The groundbreaking method now forms the foundation of Suunto’s ZoneSense technology. ZoneSense is available in most Suunto watches for real-time measurements and can also be accessed by all Suunto watch owners through after-analysis in the Suunto App when training with a heart rate belt.
“ZoneSense is a game-changer for athletes looking to optimise their training. With ZoneSense, powered by MoniCardi’s cutting-edge technology, we are opening new doors in endurance training,” says Janne Kallio, Head of Digital Ecosystem at Suunto.
The innovation also marks a significant achievement for Tampere University.
“This breakthrough exemplifies Tampere University’s commitment to multidisciplinary research and our ongoing investments in enhancing the impact of research through start-ups,” says Keijo Hämäläinen, President of Tampere University.
New technology leverages advanced HRV analysis
In endurance training, maintaining the correct intensity for each workout is essential for achieving optimal results. Athletes have long struggled to accurately monitor their workout intensity on a daily basis. Conventional methods often involve invasive and cumbersome testing protocols, such as blood samples or gas masks, making them impractical for everyday use. ZoneSense technology addresses these challenges by utilising advanced HRV analysis during exercise.
“ZoneSense combines HRV data with metabolic states, such as aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, allowing athletes to accurately gauge their effort and intensity levels without the need for personal calibration or external testing,” explains Professor Räsänen, who also serves as the CEO of MoniCardi.
The partnership between Suunto and MoniCardi heralds a significant leap forward in sports analytics.
“Suunto is the first company to adopt our method, and our collaboration has been extremely exciting and constructive. This represents a major advancement in integrating HRV analysis into wearables,” say doctoral researchers Matias Kanniainen and Teemu Pukkila, co-founders of MoniCardi.
MoniCardi oy was established in April 2024 as a spin-off from Tampere University, following the Research-to-Business commercialisation project titled "MoniCardi - Monitoring of Cardiac Health Made Simple". The company originated from the Quantum Control and Dynamics group within the Physics Unit, which develops computational methods for analysing complex signals, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs). Beyond sports applications, computational analytics are used to assess the risk of heart disease and detect heart conditions. The group’s cross-disciplinary research findings, including a breakthrough in predicting sudden cardiac death, have attracted considerable media attention.
“We are striving to make these methods widely available to patients and consumers as soon as possible. Our efforts have received substantial support from Business Finland, Business Tampere and the SPARK network. In addition, the continuous support and encouragement from Research and Innovation Services at Tampere University have been invaluable to our success. As researchers, we are both proud and grateful for this support,” Räsänen says.
Further information
Esa Räsänen
+358 50 301 3386
esa.rasanen [at] tuni.fi
