Heart Rate Variability

The heart rate of a healthy person is influenced by a variety of factors. Regulation is mostly done by the autonomic nervous system in balance between the stimulating sympathetic nervous system and the damping parasympathetic nervous system. This results in the heart rate variability (HRV).

The organism constantly adapts the heart rate to the current circumstances and requirements. A higher physical or mental exertion increases the heart rate, in phases of relaxation the heart rate is lower. A higher adaptability of the organism is indicated by a greater variability of the heart rate. In the case of chronic stress there is a permanent high level of exertion and consequently the variability is more limited.

Therefore, the following statements can be derived from the heart rate variability:

  • Stress level
  • Fatigue score
  • Overtraining
  • Health condition

How does our sensor technology measure the heart rate variability?

In order to calculate the HRV parameters, the in-ear sensor records the RR intervals, i.e. it performs a very accurate measurement of the heart rate. The HRV parameters and further analyses can be calculated on our Health Platform from 5 minute measurements of the RR intervals. These parameters allow for a comprehensive understanding of the person’s health, age, training status and even stress level. By analyzing the HRV of a person over several days, the fatigue value can be determined.

Studies

For all important parameters, extensive studies are carried out in cooperation with renowned partners and are statistically evaluated. Medically approved standard measuring instruments are used as a reference.

Study Management Reference Number of Subjects Data in Hours Mean Error Standard Deviation
Universitätsklinikum Bonn ECG 57 34 – 1.45 ms ± 1.01 ms