Frequently Asked Questions
This section is designed to help answer questions we are frequently asked on key topics below. If you have a further question please send us an email.
Heart Rate
Training
Equipment
Exercise
Assessment
Reports - Data
Heart Rate
What is Heart Rate Variability?
A:Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the beat-to-beat alterations in heart rate. Heart beat interval, or R-R Interval, is the time between consecutive heart beats (in ms). Different variations in the heart beat provide important information which can be used to produce physiological profiles that show an individuals stress, exercise and recovery.
What is the difference between Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability?
A: Heart rate is calculated as the number of contractions (heart beats) of the heart in one minute and expressed as "beats per minute" (bpm).
Heart Rate Variability refers to the beat-to-beat (R-R interval) alterations in heart rate.↑
Training
What is EPOC?
A: EPOC is a physiological measure that describes the amount of oxygen consumed in excess of the resting level after the workout. It is expressed in absolute terms or. The EPOC estimation method has been developed to provide a physiology-based measure of the training load. EPOC will give us some information with regard the recovery demands required following exercise.
What is training effect?
A: Training effect measures the impact of exercise on Aerobic fitness. Training effect is based on EPOC. Training Effect is the personalized interpretation of the effect of EPOC gained in the exercise.↑
Equipment
Do I wear the monitor at night?
A: Ideally yes. For the full picture of stress, exercise and recovery you should wear the monitor for a 24hr period.However sometimes assessing shorter periods (e.g. night time) can also give extremely useful data.
How long do I wear the monitor for?
A: One should wear it for at least 24hrs up to 72 hours to obtain the best results. A measurement that includes data from both day and night provides a better overall picture of stress and recovery than just a single day or night measurement.
I have a pacemaker – will it be affected?
A: No you can still wear the belt but analysis of your results will require close attention.
How does the POD work?
A:The team pod picks up data from a belt as long as it is being worn within 100m of the pod and there is no obstruction (e.g. a wall) between the receiver and belt.The pod is really useful for realtime analysis of group training sessions.
Can I use any heart rate monitor with Firstbeat software?
A: Currently the following devices are compatible with Firstbeat software:
Suunto Memory Belt
Suunto t6
Suunto team pod
Polar S810
Polar RS800
Polar vantage↑
Exercise
Should I consult my doctor before testing?
A: Not necessary before testing but as with any exercise prescription, we suggest that you do consult your doctor if you are starting to exercise after a time away or if you have any known medical condition that could be affected by exercise or if you experience any adverse health effects when you do exercise.
Is Firstbeat safe? Will it allow me to exercise safely?
A: Yes. You will only need to wear a monitor and you will be able to carry on with your normal daily routine and exercise as usual. It will not cause any harm.
I have a heart condition, should I take any special precautions when wearing the heart rate monitor?
A: No. However you should alert the practitioner, who has instigated the test, of any heart condition you have or medication you are taking. They will then be able to advise you appropriately.↑
Assessment
How do I assess a group of athletes?
A: Each athlete will be given a heart monitor to wear. Each athlete’s results and data can be captured with the team POD and analysed at the same time.↑
Reports - Data
How long does it take to produce reports?
A: Once the data has been downloaded the reports take less than 5 minutes to be presented.
How accurate is the data?
A: Firstbeat is proud of its evidence base and research background. There have been numerous papers produced to validate the software. Take a look at www.firstbeattechnologies.com/index.php?page=5 for a full list of topics and research papers.↑