Measurement instructions
Please read these instructions in its entirety. It contains important information about the correct use of the device and how to get the most out of your assessment.
Contraindications
A lifestyle assessment is not recommended if you have a pacemaker, a heart transplant, a heart condition, chronic atrial fibrillation / atrial flutter or uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction as these conditions can affect the results. It is best also to delay the measurement if you feel very ill or have a high fever.
What not to do
DO NOT use the device in water. It is ok to wear the device during exercising but make sure to detach the device when swimming, showering and taking a bath or sauna etc as the device is not waterproof. The recording continues automatically when you re-attach the device.
Starting the measurement
The device is fully charged and the measurement starts automatically when you attach the device to you body.
Start the measurement immediately after waking up or after your morning shower on the first measurement day. Then wear the device for the agreed number of consecutive days and nights, only removing the device when you are in contact with water.
How to attach the device to your body
Follow the four steps below to attach the device.
1. Attach the electrodes to the device and cable end
2. Remove the cover. Ensure that your skin is clean and dry before you attach the electrode.
3. Attach the device end to the right side of the body under the collarbone. Attach the cable end to the left side of the body on the rib cage.
4. The measurement starts automatically when the device is attached. Make sure the green led is flashing (the light is easiest to see in the dark).
During the measurement
Stick to your normal routine as much as possible - the intent is to get insight into your current lifestyle.
You will soon receive an email from service@firstbeat.fi with a link to enter your personal information and to keep your online journal. Click on this link when you start the measurement (not before).
The information is confidential and keeping your journal is key to linking your daily context to your physiological state. Completing this accurately means you will gain more valuable insights from the lifestyle assessment.
Some medication can influence the results. Please make sure to accurately record any medication you take so this can be accounted for when interpreting the results.
In order to have your current fitness level included in the report, please walk continuously for 30 minutes on at least one of the days. Walk at a moderate to brisk pace on flat terrain or on a treadmill. Do not run and avoid carrying a heavy load, pushing anything, talking and stopping. Mark your Fitness Level Walk in your journal. See this article for more information about the why and how of the Fitness Walk.
Do not include the walk if you have a condition that limits your ability to walk, are on beta-blocker medication or do not normally do any exercise.
The electrodes are disposable. Change them at least once per day, for example after taking a shower. It is recommended to shave off excess hair from the electrode site. If the electrode glue or paste irritates your skin, move the electrode position around a little on different days. If you notice your skin is getting itchy and moving the electrodes around doesn’t work, please collect a bag with hypoallergenic electrodes as advised in the welcome email.
A flashing green light means that the device is recording heart rate data.
If you see a flashing orange light, please remove the cable from the device, as shown in the photos below, and charge the device in a USB port of your computer or other USB charger for 30 to 60 minutes (e.g. when you are having a shower etc to minimise the loss of measurement time).
To avoid damage, please do not pull on the cable. Make sure to re-connect the cable correctly to the device after charging: the labels on the device and cable connector should both be on the same side and the two components should seal together as shown in the first and third image. (Not all cable connectors have a label. The rear side of those cable connectors can be identified by the indentation.)
If you can’t see any light or you see a different colour light visit this light colour explanation overview for instructions.
The lifestyle assessment and measurement device are linked to you. If you can’t conduct the measurement, please return the device unused.
If you encounter any issues or have questions about how the measurement or journal, please visit this Firstbeat frequently asked question website in the first instance.
After the measurement
End the measurement after the agreed period by detaching the device from your body. The measurement will end automatically.
Return the device as per the agreed arrangement.
Please remember to fill in your personal information and your journal! You will receive your Lifestyle Assessment report via email soon after the device is returned.
I look forward to discussing your report and helping you set goals and specific action steps at our scheduled group or individual debrief.
Erik van den Top | Transformative Insights
erik@transformativeinsights.co.nz
021 329 460
