Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On this page, you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers about trade fairs, software & hardware, and HRV training. If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, feel free to contact us: office@autonomhealth.com
HRV General Information
The scientific foundation of this fact-based and imaging diagnostics lies in the electrocardiogram (ECG), which enables a more precise analysis of the autonomic nervous system’s functionality compared to other measurement techniques.
Due to technological advancements, the rapidly growing significance of HRV is fully recognized in conventional medicine. We conduct numerous research projects annually using HRV. The first study – “Temperature and Heart Rate” – was published as early as 1925! Currently, there are over 25,000 HRV-related publications available on the PubMed portal.
Interestingly, the cardiotocogram, which has been used worldwide for decades to monitor human health before and during birth, operates based on HRV principles.
The medical professionals, psychologists and scientists at Autonom Health have collaborated with biosignal processing, IT and technical experts for nearly two decades to optimize HRV utilization. We now maintain the largest specific database of long-term HRV measurements.
While other market systems focus on brief HRV measurements lasting minutes, we provide 24-hour-plus measurements with continuous real-time feedback. A 3-minute optical sensor measurement cannot compare to our ECG-precise 24-hour measurement, which includes comprehensive automated high-precision performance analysis, explanations and personalized recommendations.
Others measure pulse periodically at the wrist. We measure continuously near the heart, focusing on what truly matters: The R-waves in the ECG – 1000 times per second!
The commonly used “beat-to-beat measurements” often provide neither accurate nor reliable data and are typically unsuitable for extended daily tracking.
A certain degree of extrasystoles and/or artifacts occurs in every HRV measurement, frequently causing perplexing measurement results. Our sophisticated multi-layered filtering system ensures that no extrasystoles or artifacts distort the analyses.
Whilst other systems display only a few parameters, sometimes even just one, without explaining their significance, we provide comprehensive explanations and recommendations with each measurement. By combining all relevant HRV parameters into easily understandable statements, we can precisely determine how the measured individual performs during various activities and what this means for their health.
Self-invented parameters create confusion. All HRV parameters we utilize comply 100% with the guidelines established by the Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology for conducting and analyzing HRV measurements.
Ultimately, it’s not just about the data – what matters more is how you interpret it. We deliver a precise 5-minute performance analysis based on physiological principles and proven algorithms.
Unlike most other medical findings, HRV data demonstrates strong age and gender dependencies. Autonom Health’s analyses account for this factor – in contrast to other providers. All collected data and results are peer-group correlated.
The second essential pillar of accurate HRV diagnostics is the “intra-individual longitudinal section”. Unlike other systems, our artificial intelligence algorithms incorporate results from previous measurements, enabling unprecedented accuracy levels.
HRV must not become an esoteric science with subjective interpretations. We’ve been offering comprehensive HRV training for years and have certified over 1,100 individuals as HRV experts.
Our HRV practical textbook is now considered the definitive guide to the method – even beyond German-speaking regions.
We recommend a measurement duration between 20 and 28 hours to ensure all analysis parameters can be properly evaluated.
Short-term measurements enable straightforward screenings of current health status. When performed precisely, they allow for a basic classification into “healthy” or “no longer healthy” categories. Various studies (Sandercock 2005) and Task Force standards (1996) indicate that measurements must not fall below a minimum duration of 5 minutes. No maximum duration is specified in these guidelines.
At Autonom Health, when developing our software platform for short-term measurements – HRVscan – we determined that such measurements should last between 5 and 30 minutes. Our recommendation is to conduct short-term measurements for 10 to 20 minutes.
A short-term measurement provides a snapshot of dynamic functional regulation processes and requires strictly standardized measurement conditions. Even these provide relatively imprecise analysis, as HRV, being a highly sensitive measurement method, reflects the impact of ALL influences (including previous ones) such as sleep quality, hydration status, physical activation, stress and other factors.
24-hour measurements enable an unfiltered, highly informative insight into complete daily physiology and deliver detailed results across various activities.
The honest bio-psycho-socio-emotional feedback over 24 hours or longer enables precise self-regulation of one’s living circumstances.
Our hardware manufacturer provides the following statement:
“Rest assured that things are in good order. 🙂
We take product safety, including radio transmission safety, extremely seriously. Movesense sensor radio functionality is verified by an external testing laboratory to be in full conformity with EU legislation, namely Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The tests completed and passed include EN62479:2010 Health test.”
What customers might perceive as suspicious activity is actually perfectly normal operational behavior. The Bluetooth radio maintains its active state even without an ongoing connection, broadcasting its presence briefly every 500 milliseconds to remain available for potential connections. This operational pattern aligns precisely with the established Bluetooth specifications and protocols.
Regarding the constant signal displayed on the field strength meter, this is most likely attributable to the typical low-pass filtering characteristics of the measurement device used in the video, though we cannot confirm this without knowing the exact performance specifications of the equipment utilized.
Hardware
The Autonom Health software can essentially integrate data from any device that provides clean RR data and whose manufacturer does not encrypt the data.
Optical sensors do not provide accurate RR data and are therefore not compatible with our system.
For high-quality HRV via Bluetooth 4.0, the following devices are currently usable alongside our own:
- Polar H10
- Polar H7
- Suunto Smart Belt
- Cardiosport TP3
- 4iiii Viiiiva
- BlueLeza HRM Blue
We support operating systems from Windows 8+ and Mac OS X onwards.
Yes, our HRV recorder enables heart data recording without requiring a smartphone or Bluetooth connection.
Unfortunately not, as this sensor only measures pulse at rest on the wrist.
For valid HRV analysis, we require ECG-accurate measurements, which necessitates the use of appropriate HRV sensors.
The Autonom Health software can generally import data from all devices that provide clean RR data and whose manufacturers do not encrypt the data. For specific information, please contact the hardware manufacturer.
The Polar H10 records heart rate data once per second, storing these pulse values which can be accessed through the Polar Flow app.
However, HRV data (RR data) cannot be stored as the Polar H10 sensor lacks internal storage capability. To prevent data loss, you must keep your mobile phone with you throughout the measurement period!
The Autonom Health sensor captures RR data a thousand times per second to store HRV data (millisecond values), which are transmitted via the Autonom Health app to the AH analysis portal, analyzed there, and sent back to the app.
Both systems are suitable for measuring HRV data and offer comparable measurement quality.
Our chest strap sensors feature Bluetooth technology, enabling data transmission to the server via the My Autonom Health app. The data undergoes analysis there before being returned to the app. This allows real-time measurement monitoring on your smartphone. Thanks to the ECG sensor’s storage capability, no data is lost when there’s no phone connection. Thus, data recording continues during sleep, diving, or hiking, without requiring a smartphone nearby.
The chest strap system is completely waterproof and can be worn whilst swimming or diving.
The HRV recorder enables measurements independent of smartphones and stores all measured data. After measurement completion, these stored data are uploaded to the analysis portal, where all analysis results become accessible.
Using two adhesive electrodes on the chest, the recorder delivers excellent data quality. Additionally, the recorder can be shared with interested family members, friends, or acquaintances at any time.
The HRV recorder is splash-proof but not waterproof! The device must be removed when showering, bathing, swimming, or visiting saunas.
There is fundamentally no difference in data quality between the two systems.
The wearing comfort is subjective and varies from person to person.
When the chest strap is fitted too loosely, the artifact rate is slightly lower with the HRV recorder due to its firmly attached adhesive electrodes.
HRV Chest Strap System
As our chest strap system is waterproof, you can shower, bathe, swim, dive and even visit the sauna whilst wearing it!
HRV Recorder System
The HRV recorder is only splash-proof, not waterproof! Therefore, please remove this sensor before showering, swimming or visiting the sauna, storing it in a dry location. Resume measurement within 60 minutes.
Thanks to Bluetooth technology, measurement data can be transferred to the analysis portal via the app. The data are analyzed there, and current results are sent back to the app, enabling real-time feedback during measurement.
Software
HRVvital+med+sport are included in one software suite – the HRVcomplete. This means you don’t have to choose between different software options when working.
After the initial month, you can decide whether to continue with measurements. If you wish to pause, no further action is required. Should you want to continue measuring, you have the flexibility to choose between one-time, monthly, or annual measurement packages. Current pricing for each option can always be found in our shop under the respective product listings.
We operate on a pay-as-you-need basis. For our partners and professionals using the software, we offer a ‘pay-per-use’ tariff system with extensive volume discounts. Current pricing can be found in the analysis portal on the order page or by enquiring at office@autonomhealth.com
Chest Strap Measurements
- Am I using the correct app? The ‘My Autonom Health’ app should be used.
- Am I logged in with the correct account? A ‘private account’ is required.
- Do I have valid software access? Measurements can only be conducted with a valid package (one-time measurement, monthly or annual subscription).
- Has the package been activated and recognized by the app? The software voucher code must be entered in the private account within the analysis portal. Afterwards, you can log into the app. If you were previously logged into the app but it doesn’t recognize your package, please log out and log back in again. The menu in the top left corner shows whether a package is recognized by the app.
- Are my Internet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections enabled? Check the indicators directly on your smartphone.
- Am I using the latest app version? It’s best to enable automatic updates on your smartphone!
- Please only connect the chest strap directly through the app on your mobile! If the chest strap was previously paired in your phone’s general Bluetooth settings, it won’t be recognized in the app. Please unpair this connection.
- For Android users, having ‘Location’ enabled during connection setup is beneficial. At Autonom Health, we do not track any location data.
- If the chest strap still isn’t detected, this could be due to interference from too many nearby Bluetooth devices or a low battery.
Yes, our chest strap system’s sensor includes built-in memory storage. This means you don’t need to keep your mobile phone with you throughout the measurement period.
With a storage capacity of approximately 10-12 hours, you can even set aside your phone whilst sleeping.
Assuming each long-term measurement spans 24 hours, this equates to roughly 144-192 hours. The app features a battery indicator that displays the remaining battery level.
Sensor Connection Troubleshooting
Try these helpful tips:
- verify the battery is properly inserted
- ensure the battery compartment is securely closed
- confirm the sensor is correctly clipped onto the chest strap
- check that the sensor is connected DIRECTLY through the app to enable measurement data transmission to the analysis portal
- Important: DO NOT connect the sensor through your phone’s general Bluetooth settings!
- sign out of the app and sign back in
- uninstall and reinstall the app on your phone
The battery should be replaced after approximately 6-8 long-term measurements.
Use a coin, letter opener, or similar tool to pry open the cover on the sensor’s back. Insert a fresh battery and attempt to establish a connection again.
The most common reason for the app not detecting the sensor or failing to initiate measurements, thus preventing connection, is a depleted battery!
After inserting the battery and properly closing the compartment, the sensor should briefly illuminate to indicate it’s searching for a connection with the app. Note that the sensor doesn’t blink continuously; it only lights up momentarily. Please verify: When pressing down the cover on the sensor’s rear, does a red light appear? This should happen, as it indicates the sensor is attempting to establish a connection. If there’s no light, there may be an issue with the battery. Please double-check that the battery is inserted correctly!
Additional troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Open the battery compartment again and verify proper battery placement
- When closing, ensure the cover clicks securely into place
- Verify the sensor is properly paired
- Toggle the starting location on and off
- Restart your mobile phone without closing the app or ending the measurement
- Force close the app or even completely uninstall and reinstall it
- Confirm the sensor is properly connected to the app
It’s generally crucial that both the sensor and mobile phone maintain adequate charge levels. We’ve particularly observed that low battery levels and power-saving mode on mobile phones can adversely affect measurement quality.
The chest strap can be used alternately; however, each user must have their own private account with a valid subscription!
The My Autonom Health App operates as a real-time HRV application, transmitting chest strap sensor data via Bluetooth to the analysis portal. The data is analyzed there and sent back to the app, allowing online measurement monitoring. Since modifications during measurement would disrupt the rather complex system, corrections are limited to prevent analysis process interference. During an ongoing measurement, you can only modify the current activity designation.
However, ALL entries can be corrected in the analysis portal AFTER completing the measurement!
Over time, sweat and body oils can create a residue on the electrode components of the chest strap, potentially compromising measurement accuracy. To address this issue and eliminate any unwanted odors, simply place the strap in a mesh laundry bag and wash it in your washing machine at 40°C.
App
The ‘My Autonom Health App’, which supports the HRV chest strap system, is freely available for both iOS users via the App Store and Android users through the Google Play Store.
You may not be using the latest version of the app. Please ensure you complete all pending updates and maintain the app’s current version.
If you’re experiencing difficulties with data retrieval, try these helpful solutions:
- Simply power off your mobile phone during an ongoing measurement – perform a complete shutdown and restart without ending the measurement
- Enable location services on your mobile device
- Reset the Bluetooth service on your phone
- Sometimes entering new activities can help
- Briefly disconnect and reconnect the sensor in the app
Occasionally, updating the app or performing a fresh installation can resolve issues. To do this, end any current measurement, delete the app from your phone, and then reinstall it to allow for a system reset. Log in with your credentials, pair the sensor, and begin a new measurement. This should restore normal functionality.
Sometimes the app may enter an ‘infinite loop’ state, disrupting data transfer between the sensor, app, analysis portal, and back again. This can lead to measurement failures. In such cases, try ‘waking up’ the system (using the tips mentioned above) to encourage normal operation.
Another useful tip would be to disable power-saving mode on your mobile phone and keep location services enabled at all times. This allows the system to operate more stably and reduces the phone’s tendency to terminate the app.
Additionally, you can reset the Bluetooth service directly within the My Autonom Health App through the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Simply power off your mobile phone during an ongoing measurement – perform a complete shutdown and restart without ending the measurement
- Enable location services on your mobile device
- Reset the Bluetooth service on your phone
- Sometimes entering new activities can help
- Briefly disconnect and reconnect the sensor in the app
Occasionally, updating the app or performing a fresh installation can resolve issues. To do this, end any current measurement, delete the app from your phone, and then reinstall it to allow for a system reset. Log in with your credentials, pair the sensor, and begin a new measurement. This should restore normal functionality.
Results
As detailed in the HRV Practice Manual on pages 104, 346-352, and particularly on page 168, we define “exhaustion” as “a decrease in HRV across all frequency ranges”. Currently, the scientific community does not distinguish between “tiredness” (which indicates positive vagus activation) and “exhaustion”, referring to a system-wide “standby” mode observed following an inadequately intense stimulus, such as after overly strenuous exercise or excessive alcohol consumption. This is evident in the synonymous use of chronic fatigue and exhaustion syndrome.
However, we believe that the (patho-)physiological differentiation between “tiredness” and “exhaustion”, or between “good sleep” and “exhaustion sleep”, is essential for targeted diagnostics.
We’ve intentionally designed private account analyses to be as simple and user-friendly as possible. We deliberately avoided overwhelming users with parameters that would be confusing and difficult for health-interested laypersons to interpret. Therefore, specialist parameters like pNN50, SDNN, RMSSD, etc., are only available in partner accounts designed for HRV professionals working with patients and clients.
To prevent unnecessary data overload, raw data is exclusively available through the Science Software, specifically designed to support HRV professionals engaged in scientific research.
Yes, various PDF reports can be downloaded from the analysis portal’s print section for each respective measurement.
The type of analysis you receive depends on the specific accounts you’re working with.
You’ll find comprehensive evaluations, detailed analysis, and all explanations and recommendations for a measurement in the analysis portal.
You can connect with a professional or partner for a personal consultation in your area through our partner directory at https://community.autonomhealth.com/partner
Working with Autonom Health
To work with HRV by Autonom Health, the training is recommended for physicians and required for all other healthcare professionals. Prerequisites for HRV training include completed professional training and work experience in health, consulting, or coaching sectors.
To utilize our efficient HRV systems, registration in the Autonom Health Analysis Portal (https://portal.lebensfeuer.com) with a PARTNER ACCOUNT is required.
Immediately after uploading your client’s HRV data, you’ll receive detailed comprehensive analyses (HRVcomplete) from three software streams (HRVvital, HRVmed, and HRVsport) with a single click, along with a multi-page Health Summary for each measurement as a consolidated report PDF. You can grant your patients access to view their measurement results at your discretion. Naturally, you also have the capability to generate various report PDFs.
Experience the presentation and significance of numerous features directly in the analysis portal: https://portal.lebensfeuer.com
Here are the login credentials for the demo account:
demo-hrv@autonomhealth.com
Password: demo-hrv
Our chest strap system offers an alternative method for measuring HRV. Users register with a private account and conduct measurements independently. Through the networking function, you can import your clients’ measurements into your partner account, upgrade them to HRVcomplete analyses, and thus provide optimal support for your customers.
Please send us a brief email to receive the current price list for partners and professionals. Private account user prices can be found in our webshop.
To work with our HRV systems and process client measurements, registration in the Autonom Health Analysis Portal(https://portal.lebensfeuer.com) with a PARTNER ACCOUNT is required.
Immediately after uploading your client’s HRV data, you’ll receive detailed complete analyses (HRVcomplete) from all three software streams (HRVvital, HRVmed and HRVsport) with a single click, along with the multi-page Health Summary for each measurement as a consolidated report PDF. You can enable your clients to view their measurement results at your preferred timing. Naturally, you also have the ability to generate various types of report PDFs.
You’ll need an HRV device that provides accurate RR data with unencrypted data output, along with a valid software subscription in your portal account.
You can provide either the HRV recorder or the chest strap to your patients for home use. For details about the differences between these options, please refer to the FAQ question “What’s the difference between the chest strap system and HRV recorder?” in the “Hardware” section.
Analysis Portal
Our analysis system’s algorithms, developed over several years and continuously improved, operate on highly secure servers rather than smartphones for data protection reasons and to safeguard our intellectual property.
Therefore, all measurement evaluations, analysis details, explanations and recommendations are found on the analysis portal.
The entire analysis portal, including all analyses, reports, explanations and recommendations, is available in English with just one click.
Partner account: Used by healthcare providers (HRV professionals) to measure other individuals.
Process: Create client accounts within the partner account of the analysis portal – Conduct measurements using HRV recorder and electrodes – Upload measurements via the uploader – Receive HRVcomplete analyses (=HRVvital + HRVmed + HRVsport + Health Summary) – Enable measurement access for clients and provide coaching.
Private account: Chest strap system designed for health-conscious individuals who wish to conduct self-measurements.
Process: Users self-register with a private account in the analysis portal – activate a valid subscription plan (My Autonom Health single measurement/monthly unlimited/annual unlimited) – conduct self-measurements using the chest strap system and My Autonom Health App – review their own results (My Autonom Health analyses) and/or seek coaching from an HRV Professional through “Networking”.
No. Annual unlimited subscriptions are exclusively valid for private accounts. These are limited to single-user access. Each individual requires their own separate software subscription.
The analysis portal enables partner accounts to view measurements from private accounts.
To optimize coaching for private account users, analyses from private accounts can be upgraded to the triple analysis available in partner accounts.
This procedure fully complies with data protection regulations:
- The private account or client account user shares their ID with their chosen HRV Professional. This ID is displayed in the green header at the top right of the analysis portal and in the “Profile Data”.
- In the partner account, this ID is entered under “Clients/Search Clients”, triggering a request to view the measurement.
- The user immediately receives an email containing a confirmation link. Clicking this link explicitly grants consent for measurement access.
- Upon link confirmation, the corresponding measurement becomes available in the partner account. The My Autonom Health analysis can then be upgraded to the triple analysis.
HRV Certification Training
The 4 modules of the HRV training program build upon each other sequentially in terms of content. Therefore, they should be completed in the correct order (1, 2, 3, 4).
For medical practitioners, the advanced training by Autonom Health is recommended, whilst for other healthcare professionals, it is a mandatory professional requirement. Prerequisites for HRV training include completed professional qualifications and practical experience in healthcare, consultancy or coaching sectors.
Indeed, you may complete the training at a pace that suits you. Current dates for German-language training can always be found here. For English-language training, you are not bound by specific dates and can complete our HRV training with even greater scheduling flexibility.
No, we have transitioned to online sessions via Zoom in recent years.
We offer HRV training in both German and English. Whilst structured differently, both versions convey identical knowledge and culminate in the same certification. Further details are available here.
No, this is neither intended nor possible, as the content is structured differently across the modules.
Service
All contact options are available via Support.
To withdraw from the purchase agreement within the statutory withdrawal period, please complete the following form:
The withdrawal notice can be downloaded here.
The voucher code activates your purchased subscription and can be redeemed in your account within the Analysis Portal under the “My Account / My Purchases” section.
You can automatically request a new password at any time via the “Forgot Password” option in the Analysis Portal login area.