White papers describe in detail the scientific background of Firstbeat’s technologies with different application areas. The publications section presents studies where Firstbeat solutions have been exploited. The different scientific contexts include for example occupational health care, sleep research, psychotherapy, behavioral research, and sports coaching. Firstbeat methods have been used for research in about 80 universities and research institutions across Europe, North-America, and Australia.
Firstbeat White Papers
Anaerobic Training Effect Assessment
Aerobic Fitness Level (VO₂max) Estimation
Stress and Recovery Analysis Method Based on 24-hour Heart Rate Variability
Accuracy of Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 heart rate monitor
EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption)
Recovery Analysis for Athletic Training Based on Heart Rate Variability
Analysis of Health and Fitness Benefits of Physical Activity Based on Heart Rate Measurements
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Scientific publications related to:
Stress, recovery, sleep, and wellbeing
Oxygen consumption and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
Energy expenditure
Exercise, training and sports coaching
Firstbeat Bodyguard (2) device for tracking HRV
Physiological modeling, signal processing and mathematical modeling
Scientific publications related to
Stress, recovery, sleep, and wellbeing
| Title | Author | Year | Journal/Proceedings | Study design & Population | Category | Physiological parameter(s) | Insights on findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Effect of using Noise Cancellation Earplubs in Open-plan Offices on the Work Wellbeing and Work Performance of Software Professionals | Kari T, Makkonen M, Frank L | 2017 | The 11th Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems (MCIS), Proceedings, Genoa, Italy, 2017 | Experimental study; Adults, n = 28 | Applied use | Stress and recovery; oxygen consumption; energy expenditure; respiration rate; RR-intervals | This explorative study investigated both objectively measured and subjectively perceived effects of adopting noise cancellation earplugs by open-plan office workers in a software company, and used Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment for physiology analytics. |
| Social rhythms of the heart | Pantzar M, Ruckenstein M & Mustonen V | 2017 | Health sociology review 26(1): 22-37 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 35 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat was used to describe and visualize social rhythms of stress and recovery in the everyday life. |
| Recovery of rescuers from a 24-h shift and its association with aerobic fitness | Lyytikäinen K, Toivonen L, Hynynen E, Lindholm H & Kyröläinen H | 2017 | International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health 30(3): 433-444 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 14 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat was used to study changes in autonomic control during a 24-hour work shift and its recovery period among rescuers. Also relation of aerobic fitness on recovery was studied. |
| Physiological load and psychological stress during a 24-hour work shift among Finnish firefighters | Kaikkonen P, Lindholm H & Lusa S | 2017 | Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 59(1): 41-46 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 25 | Applied use | Stress and recovery; VO2; Energy expenditure | Firstbeat method was used to describe physiological load and psychological stress of firefighters during a 24-hour work shift |
| Short-term physiological strain and recovery among employees working with agile and lean methods in software and embedded ICT systems | Tuomivaara S, Lindholm H & Känsälä M | 2017 | International journal of human-computer interaction | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 36 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method and Bodyguard device were used to assess short-term physiological stress and recovery associated with agile and lean work working methods. Results showed that agile work could even out workload during a working period. |
| Physical activity, heart rate variability-based stress and recovery, and subjective stress during a 9-month study period | Föhr T, Tolvanen A, Myllymäki T, Järvelä-Reijonen E, Peuhkuri K, Rantala S, Kolehmainen M, Korpela R, Lappalainen R, Ermes M, Puttonen S, Rusko H & Kujala UM | 2017 | Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 27: 612-621 | Intervention study; Adults, n = 221 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was used to objectively measure stress and recovery to study association between physical activity and objective stress and recovery with subjective stress |
| Effects of using standing versus sitting workstations on the well-being at work of software professionals | Makkonen M, Silvennoinen M, Nousiainen T, Pesola A & Vesisenaho M | 2016 | Versendaal et al. (eds), BLED 2016: Proceedings of the 29thBled eConference Digital economy: 419-433 | Intervention study; Adults, n = 29 | Applied use | Physical activity; Stress and recovery | Firtsbeat method was used to examine potential effects of using standing versus sitting workstations on the well-being at work |
| Eustress - findings concerning the indication and interpretation of positive stress among entrepreneurs - a case study | Oksman V, Ermes M & Tikkamäki K | 2016 | The business and management review 7 (3): 342-347 | Case study; Adults, n = 9 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was used to get information of entrepereneurs' physiological reactions. Afterwards positive and negative stress reactions were discriminated based on subjective feelings. |
| An After-School, high-intensity, interval physical activity programme improves health-related fitness in children | Martinez S, Rios L, Tamayo I, Almeida L, Lopez-Gomez M & Jara C | 2016 | Motriz, Rio Claro 22 (4): 359-367 | Intervention study; Children, n = 94 | Applied use | EPOC; Physical activity | Firstbeat method was used to assess workload of children aged 7-9 years participating in programmed physical activity in intervention group vs. control group setting |
| Physical activity, body mass index and heart rate variability-based stress and recovery in 16 275 Finnish employees: a cross-sectional study | Föhr T, Pietilä J, Helander E, Myllymäki T, Lindholm H, Rusko H & Kujala UM | 2016 | BMC Public Health 16:701 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 16 275 | Firstbeat database | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat database was used to explore associations between PA level and BMI, and Firstbeat stress and recovery. High PA level was associated with better stress recovery balance whereas higher BMI were associated with poorer results. The study emphazises benefical effects of PA for stress balance. |
| Soft proposody and embodied attunement in therapeutic interaction: A multimethod case study of a moment of change | Kykyri V-L, Karvonen A, Wahlström J, Kaartinen J, Penttonen M & Seikkula J | 2016 | Journal of Constructivist Psychology 30(3): 211-234 | Case study; Adults, n = 3 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was used to assess stress level of therapist and client in psychotherapy |
| Sympathetic nervous system synchrony in couple therapy | Karvonen A, Kykyri V-L, Kaartinen J, Penttonen M & Seikkula J | 2016 | Journal of Maritla and Family Therapy 42(3): 383-395 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 30 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was used to assess stress level of therapists and clients in psychotherapy |
| Subjective stress, objective heart rate variability stress, and recovery on workdays among overweight and psychologically distressed individuals: a cross-sectional study | Föhr T, Tolvanen A, Myllymäki T, Järvelä-Reijonen E, Rantala S, Korpela R, Peuhkuri K, Kolehmainen M, Puttonen S, Lappalainen R, Rusko H & Kujala U | 2015 | Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 10(30) | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 221 | Validity | Stress and recovery | Subjective stress was directly associated with objective stress and inversely with objective recovery measured with the Firstbeat method. The authors suggested that objective stress assessment provides an additional aspect to stress evaluation. |
| Predictors of increase in physical activity during a 6-month follow-up period among overweight and physically inactive healthy young adults | Mutikainen A, Föhr T, Karhunen L, Kolehmainen M, Kainulainen H, Lappalainen R & Kujala U | 2015 | Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness 13(2): 63-71 | Cohort study; Adults, n = 51 | Applied use; Intervention | Stress and recovery | The study examined how psychological and physiological variables at baseline predicted increase of PA level during a 6-month intervention period in overweight and physically inactive young adults who participated in lifestyle counselling without supervised PA sessions. |
| Exploratory analysis of associations between individual lifestyles and heart rate variability -based recovery during sleep | Pietilä J, Helander E, Myllymäki T, Korhonen I, Jimison H & Misha P | 2015 | EMBC'15. 37th Annual International Conference ot the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (peer reviewed) | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 6288 | Firstbeat database | Stress and recovery; Sleep | The study explored the importance of different lifestyle factors on Firstbeats HRV-based recovery during sleep on a large sample. Alcohol consumption, physical activity, fitness, and sleep duration play significant role in recovery. |
| The embodied attunement of therapists and a couple within dialogical psychotherapy: An introduction to the realtional mind research project | Seikkula J, Karvonen A, Kykyri V-L, Kaartinen J & Penttonen M | 2015 | Family Process 54: 703-715 | Case study; Adults, n = 4 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was used to assess stress level of therapists and clients in psychotherapy |
| Associations of physical activity, fitness, and body composition with heart rate variability-based indicators of stress and recovery on workdays: a cross-sectional study | Teisala T, Mutikainen S, Tolvanen A, Rottensteiner M, Leskinen T, Kaprio J, Kolehmainen M, Rusko H & Kujala UM | 2014 | Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 9:16 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 81 | Applied use; Usability | Stress and recovery | Physical activity, fitness level and body composition were associated with Firstbeat stress and recovery, and stress was associated with self-reported occupational burnout symptoms. The authors concluded that the results support the usability of the Firstbeat method in the evaluation of stress and recovery |
| The effectiveness and applicability of different lifestyle interventions for enhancing wellbeing: the study design for a randomized controlled trial for persons with metabolic syndrome risk factors and psychological stress | Lappalainen R, Sairanen E, Järvelä E, Rantala S, Korpela R, Puttonen S, Kujala UM, Myllymäki T, Peuhkuri K, Mattila E, Kaipainen K, Ahtinen A, Karhunen L, Pihlajamäki J, Järnefelt H, Laitinen J, Kutinlahti E, Saarelma O, Ermes M & Kolehmainen M | 2014 | BMC Public Health 14:310 | Randomized controlled trial Adults, n = 339 | Applied use; Usability | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment was used as an objective method for measuring stress and recovery in RCT examining the effectiveness, applicability, and acceptability of different lifestyle interventions with individuals having symptoms of metabolic syndrome and psychological distress |
| Feasibility of a personal health technology-based psychological intervention for men with stress and mood problems: randomized controlled pilot trial | Lappalainen P, Kaipainen K, Lappalainen R, Hoffrén H, Myllymäki T, Kinnunen M-L, Mattila E, Happonen A, Rusko H & Korhonen I | 2013 | JMIR Res Protoc 2(1):e1 | Cohort study; Adults n = 23 | Applied use; Usability | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat lifestyle assessment was used in a well-being intervention utilizing several technology tools and rated as the most useful intervention component by the participants |
| Effects of daily intake of yoghurt enriched with bioactive components on chronic stress responses: a double-blinded randomized cotrolled trial | Jaatinen N, Korpela R, Poussa T, Turpeinen A, Mustonen S, Merilahti J & Peuhkuri K | 2014 | International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 65(4):507-514 | Randomized Controlled Trial; Adults, n = 72 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | The study used Firstbeat method as objective physiological method to assess stress when investigating whether yoghurt enriched with bioactive components have stress reducing effects as compared to normal yoghurt |
| Heart rate variability measurements in mobile work | Hyrkkänen U & Vartiainen M | 2012 | Communications in Computer and Information Science 313:60-67. 4th International Conference on Well-Being in the Information Society. Eriksson-Backa K, Luoma A, Krook E (Eds.) | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 10 | Applied use; Usability | Stress and recovery | HRV-based Firstbeat assessment was found to be especially suitable for mobile employees with mobile working mode who have difficulties on controlling their worklife balance |
| Effects of exercise intensity and duration on nocturnal heart rate variability and sleep quality | Myllymäki T, Rusko H, Syväoja H, Juuti T, Kinnunen M-L & Kyröläinen H | 2012 | European Journal of Applied Physiology 112(3): 801-809 | Experimental study; Adults, n = 14 | Applied use | Stress and recovery; Sleep | Firstbeat relaxation was decreased during sleep after demanding exercises [vigorous or long] compared to control sleep without changes in actigraphy or subjective sleep quality |
| Heart rate variability related to effort at work | Uusitalo A, Mets T, Martinmäki K, Mauno S, Kinnunen U & Rusko H | 2011 | Applied Ergonomics 42(6): 830-838 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 19 | Validity | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat relaxation was negatively associated with effort at work measured with effort-reward imbalance questionnaire [ERI] assessing chronic work stress |
| Web, mobile and monitoring technologies in self-management of psychophysiological wellbeing: usage and user experiences | Kaipainen K, Mattila E, Väätänen A & Lappalainen R | 2010 | Proceedings of the IADIS International Conference eHealth, Freiburg, Germany, 167-177 | Randomized Controlled Trial; Adults, n = 24 | Applied use; Usability | Stress and recovery; Sleep | The study explored a concept in which large amount of different technologies were utilized for improving well-being of participants, and where face-to-face intervention meetings and Firstbeat measurements with personal feedback were perceived as the two most important components of the whole concept |
| Effects of vigorous late-night exercise on sleep quality and cardiac autonomic activity | Myllymäki T, Kyröläinen H, Savolainen K, Hokka L, Jakonen R, Juuti T, Martinmäki K, Kaartinen J, Kinnunen M-L & Rusko H | 2010 | Journal of Sleep Research 20: 146-153 | Experimental study; Adults, n = 11 | Applied use | Stress and recovery; Sleep | Firstbeat relaxation was diminished during sleep after intensive late-evening exercise without changes in polysomnographic or movement-based sleep quality |
| P4Well concept to empower self-management of psychophysiological wellbeing and load recovery | Happonen A, Mattila E, Kinnunen M-L, Ikonen V, Myllymäki T, Kaipainen K, Rusko H, Lappalainen R & Korhonen I | 2009 | Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Pervasive Conputing Technologies for Healthcare, London, UK, 1-3 | Intervention study; Adults, n = 34 | Applied use; Usability | Stress and recovery; Sleep | The study described a well-being concept that utilized also Firstbeat methods [mobile coach and lifestyle assessment] and which was designed with a driving principle that an individual is the best master of his/her own wellness and targeted to empower his/her for realizing the fact |
| The association between self-rated affective well-being and physiological indicators of stress and relaxation among cleaning staff | Feldt T, Rönkä T, Rusko H, Kinnunen M-L & Kinnunen U | 2007 | European Congress of Work and Organizational Psychology | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 38 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Contentment at work indicating subjective experiences of relaxation was linked to low physiological stress and high physiological relaxation measured with Firstbeat method |
| The associations between physiological recovery indicators during sleep and self-reported work stressors | Rönkä T, Rusko H, Feldt T, Kinnunen U, Mauno S, Uusitalo A & Martinmäki K | 2006 | Nordic Ergonomics Society Congress | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 17 | Validity | Stress and recovery; Sleep | Firstbeat method was used to investigate relaxation time during sleep. Longer relaxation time was associated with less perceived work stressors on the next day. |
| Stress and relaxation based on heart rate variability: Associations with self-reported mental strain and differences between waking hours and sleep | Kinnunen M-L, Rusko H, Feldt T, Kinnunen U, Juuti T, Myllymäki T, Laine K, Hakkarainen P & Louhevaara V | 2006 | Nordic Ergonomics Society Congress, abstract | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 27 | Validity | Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method is a promising tool for occupational health care sector as it provides general scoring describing stress and relaxation state for work, leisure time, and sleep |
| Stress and relaxation during sleep and awake time, and their associations with free salivary cortisol after awakening | Rusko H, Rönkä T, Uusitalo A, Kinnunen U, Mauno S, Feldt T, Kinnunen M-L, Martinmäki K, Hirvonen A, Hyttinen S & Lindholm H | 2006 | Nordic Ergonomics Society Congress, abstract | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 17 | Validity | Stress and recovery; Sleep | Significant correlations were found between awakening cortisol variables and variables of stress and relaxation with Firstbeat method during sleep |
| Associations of psychological self-assessments and heart rate variability in long term measurements at home | Antila K, van Gils M, Merilahti J & Korhonen I | 2005 | European Medical & Biological Engineering Conference | Experimental study; Adults, n = 12 | Validity | Stress and recovery | The study revealed significant associations between stress measured with Firstbeat method and self-assessments of stress |
Scientific publications related to
Oxygen consumption and
maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
| Title | Author | Year | Journal/Proceedings | Study design & Population | Category | Physiological parameter(s) | Insights on findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical activity: Absolute intensity vs. relative-to-fitness level volumes. | Kujala UM, Pietilä J, Myllymäki T, Mutikainen S, Föhr T, Korhonen I & Helander E | 2017 | Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 49(3): 474-481 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 23224 | Firstbeat database | VO2 | Large sample of Firstbeat measurements were used to investigate how moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity volumes differ according to absolute intensity recommendation and relative to individual fitness level by sex, age, and body mass index |
| Validation of an indirect VO2max test designed for cycling performances. | Teikara A-M | 2016 | Master's Thesis in Exercise Physiology. Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä. (Abstract in English) | Experimental-study; Adult, n = 29 | Validity | VO2max | The study investigated the validity of the Firstbeat VO2max estimation in cycling, and found significant positive correlation with direct VO2max measurement (r=0.84 - 0.86) and MAPE of 7.7 - 8.7%. The study concluded that Firstbeat Fitness Test to be suitable method for VO2max estimation. |
| Objectively measured physical activity in Finnish employees: a cross-sectional study. | Mutikainen S, Helander E, Pietilä J, Korhonen I & Kujala U | 2014 | BMJ Open, Sports and Exercise Medicine 4:12 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 9554 | Firstbeat database | VO2 | Firstbeat method used as a novel validated methodology to study intensity-specific physical activity in a large sample of working age individuals, with detailed associations between intensity-specific physical activity, gender, age, body mass index, and the type of day (workday vs day off) |
| Estimating oxygen consumption from heart rate and heart rate variability without individual calibration. | Smolander J, Ajoviita M, Juuti T, Nummela A & Rusko H | 2011 | Clinical physiology and functional imaging 31(4): 266-271 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 19 | Validity | VO2 | Firstbeat VO2 estimation method is sufficiently accurate for field-use |
| Validation of Heart Rate Monitor-Based Predictions of Oxygen Uptake and Energy Expenditure. | Montgomery P, Green D, Etxebarria N, Pyne D, Saunders P & Minahan C | 2009 | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 23(5): 1489-1495 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 17 | Validity | VO2; Energy expenditure | Firstbeat VO2 estimation method vary ~ 6% in submaximalmaximal running compared to calibrated laboratory gas exchange system, and less if accurate background parameters are used |
| A new heart rate variability-based method for the estimation of oxygen consumption without individual laboratory calibration: Application example on postal workers. | Smolander J, Juuti T, Kinnunen M-L, Laine, K, Louhevaara V, Männikkö K & Rusko H | 2007 | Applied Ergonomics 39(3): 325-331 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 22 | Validity; Applied use | VO2; Energy expenditure | Firstbeat method was compared to traditional HR-only method to estimate energy expenditure, and found useful for estimating VO2 in the field without laboratory calibration |
| A Novel Method for Using Heart Rate Variability Data for Estimation of Oxygen Consumption and Energy Expenditure: A Validation. | Smolander J, Rusko H, Ajoviita M, Juuti T & Nummela A | 2007 | ECSS congress | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 20 | Validity | VO2; Energy expenditure | Firstbeat method provides adequate estimates of breathing frequency and on/off-kinetics of HR and VO2, and consequently the oxygen consumption and energy expenditure |
| On- and Off Dynamics and Respiration Rate Enhance the Accuracy of Heart Rate Based VO2 Estimation. ACSM congress poster. | Pulkkinen A, Kettunen J, Martinmäki K, Saalasti S & Rusko H | 2004 | ACSM congress | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 32 | Validity | VO2; Respiration rate | HR-based VO2 estimation can be enhanced using information on On- and Off-dynamics and respiration rate that can be derived reliably using beat-to-beat RR-interval data only |
Scientific publications related to
Energy expenditure
| Title | Author | Year | Journal/Proceedings | Study design & Population | Category | Physiological parameter(s) | Insights on findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular and Energy Requirements of Parents Watching Their Child Compete: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Investigation | Lochbaum M, Prosoli R, Barić R | 2017 | Pedagogics, psychology, medical-biological problems of physical training and sports, 21(6):279–284 | Qualitative study; Adults, n = 2 | Applied use | Energy Expenditure; Training Effect | The study documented physiological reactions of parents watching their son to compete in national junior championship in judo. The father's data repsented reactions comparable to aerobic activity. The pilot-type study presented unique data on parents and found wearable technology useful in qualitative research. |
| Validating the use of heart rate variability for estimating energy expenditurete variability for estimating energy expenditure | Robertson AH, King K, Ritchie SD, Gauthier AP, Laurence M & Dorman SC | 2015 | International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences 3(2): 19-26 | Cohort study; Adult, n = 30 | Validity | Energy expenditure; VO2max | Energy expenditure provided by Firstbeat method was validated against indirect calorimetry. The authors concluded that EE estimates provided by Firstbeat are sufficiently accurate to indicate that the method possesses practical utility and may be used for individual EE monitoring. |
| Novel tools in determining the physiological demands and nutritional practises of Ontario FireRangers during fire deployments | Robertson AH, Larivière C, Leduc CR, McGillis Z, Eger T, Godwin A, Larivière M & Dorman SC | 2017 | PlosOne 12(1):e0169390 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 21 | Applied use | Energy expenditure; Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was used to assess deployment specific energy demands and physiological responses of firemen. Results support the use of a modern technology for the comprehensive evaluation of physiological variables and food consumption in free-living occupational settings. |
| Exercise for fitness does not decrease the muscular inactivity time during normal daily life | Finni T, Haakana P, Pesola AJ & Pullinen T | 2014 | Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sport 24: 211-219 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 27 | Applied use | Energy expenditure | Energy expenditure provided by Firstbeat method was used as a reference for daily energy expenditure and compared to muscle activity data [EMG] during active and non-active days |
| Heart rate variability recordings are a valid non-invasive tool for evaluating soldiers' stress | Salonen M, Kokko J, Tyysk J & Koivu M | 2013 | Journal of Defence Studies and Resource Management | Cross-sectional study | Applied use; Usability | Energy expenditure | Firstbeat methods were utilized in assessing soldiers energy expenditure and cardiovascular autonomic modulation during 72-hour military field training and shown applicable method for assessing soldiers stress |
| Validation of heart rate monitor-based predictions of oxygen uptake and energy expenditure | Montgomery P, Green D, Etxebarria N, Pyne D, Saunders P & Minahan C | 2009 | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 23(5): 1489-1495 | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 17 | Validity | Energy expenditure; VO2 | Firstbeat VO2 estimation method vary ~ 6% in submaximalmaximal running compared to calibrated laboratory gas exchange system, and less if accurate background parameters are used |
| A novel method for using heart rate variability data for estimation of oxygen consumption and energy expenditure: A validation | Smolander J, Rusko H, Ajoviita M, Juuti T & Nummela A | 2007 | ECSS congress | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 20 | Validity | Energy expenditure; VO2 | Firstbeat method provides adequate estimates of breathing frequency and on/off-kinetics of HR and VO2, and consequently the oxygen consumption and energy expenditure |
| Energy expenditure can be accurately estimated from HR without individual laboratory calibration | Pulkkinen A, Saalasti S & Rusko H | 2005 | ACSM congress | Cross-sectional study: Adult, n = 32 | Validity | Energy expenditure | Firstbeat method provided an accurate and practical method for estimating energy expenditure without individual laboratory calibration making it especially suitable for field use |
Scientific publications related to
Exercise, training and sports coaching
| Title | Author | Year | Journal/Proceedings | Study design & Population | Category | Physiological parameter(s) | Insights on findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effects of Late-Night Training on “Slow-Wave Sleep Episode” and Hour-by-Hour Derived Nocturnal Cardiac Autonomic Activity in Female Soccer Players | Costa JA, Brito J, Nakamura FY, Oliveira EM & Rebelo AN | 2018 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, ahead of print | Cross-sectional study; Athletes, n = 11 | Applied use | Training Load, RR-intervals | The study used Firstbeat Sports to measure training load and nocturnal Bodyguard 2 measurements to assess recovery in Portuguese female soccer players. The study found that late-night soccer training did not affect HRV during estimated SWS or hour-by-hour, but it elevated heart rate during the first three sleeping hours. |
| "Behavior of external and internal loads in the preparation of professional soccer players in a competitive microcycle of the Brazilian soccer" | Pereira J & Lopes M | 2017 | World Conference on Science and Soccer, Rennes, 31.5.- 2.6.2017 | Cross-sectional study; Athletes, n = 21 | Applied use | Training Effect | Firstbeat Sports was used to measure physical load during a one week preparation microcycle before an important match for the team. Training load was lower during practices than in the match. |
| "Physical and Physiological Demands of Recreational Team Handball for Adult Untrained Men" | Póvoas SCA, Castagna C, Resende C, Coelho EF, Silva P, Santos R, Seabra A, Tamames J, Lopes M, Randers MB & Krustrup P | 2017 | BioMed Research International, Vol. 2017, Article ID 6204603 | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 15 | Applied use | RR-intervals | The describtive study examined acute physical and physiological demands of recreational team handball using Firstbeat Sports system. Recreational team handball was found to have a positive effect on aerobic, anaerobic, and musculoskeletal fitness in adult individuals. |
| "Maximal heart rate differs between laboratory and field conditions among female athletes" | Coutinho C, Watson A, Brickson S & Sanfilippo J | 2017 | Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 12(2), 386-395. | Experimental study; Athletes, n = 21 | Applied use | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Sports was used to measure heart rates in a study which explored if maximal heart rate varies between laboratory testing, field testing, training, competitive matches and an age-predicted equation among female collegiate soccer players. |
| Nocturnal heart rate and heart rate variability based training load monitoring, a case study of an elite junior XC Skier during a Glacier Training Camp | Mikkola J, Hynynen E & Nummela A | 2012 | 2nd international Congress on Science and Nordic Skiing, 28-31 May, Vuokatti, Finland | Case study; Junior athlete, n = 1 | Applied use | Stress and recovery; HRV | Firstbeat method seems to be practical tool for assessing training induced stress over an athlete although recovery as well as HR and HRV responses are individual |
| Heart rate variability in prediction of individual adaptation to endurance training in recreational endurance runners | Vesterinen V, Häkkinen K, Hynynen E, Mikkola J, Hokka L & Nummela A | 2010 | Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 23(2): 171-180 | Longitudinal intervention study; Athletes, n = 28 | Applied use | HRV | Firstbeat method was used to analyze nocturnal HRV which may serve as a useful method to assess individual adaptation to prolonged endurance training |
| A three year follow-up study of endurance performance and nocturnal HRV of an international level race-walker | Hynynen E & Nummela A | 2010 | EA innovation awards | Case study; Athletes, n = 1 | Applied use | Stress and recovery | Regular nocturnal HRV analysis with Firstbeat method was utilized for international level race-walkers training and it was found useful for assessing training and racing induced stress and an individual variation in recovery |
| Physical loading, stress and recovery in a youth soccer tournament | Luhtanen P, Nummela A & Lipponen K | 2007 | VIth congress on science in football | Cohort study; Junior athletes, n = 10 | Applied use | EPOC; Stress and recovery | Firstbeat method was applied for soccer in assessing load of matches and training [by EPOC] and recovery during sleep [recovery index] |
| Heart rate and match analysis of Finnish junior football players | Vänttinen T, Blomqvist M, Lehto H & Häkkinen K | 2007 | VIth congress on science in football | Cross-sectional study; Junior athletes, n = 43 | Applied use | EPOC; VO2; Energy expenditure | Match analysis and physiological analysis [HR and EPOC by Firstbeat method] was conducted for junior soccer players in different age groups revealing higher relative playing intensity in older age groups during a match |
| An evaluation of physical loading, recovery and stress in youth soccer | Häyrinen M, Luhtanen P, Juntunen J, Hynynen E, Vänttinen T, Lipponen K & Heliskoski J | 2007 | Science for success II congress | Cross-sectional study; Junior athletes, n = 18 | Applied use | EPOC; Stress and recovery | The study showed that Firstbeat methods work well in team sports and the results revealed that the playing position and characteristics of the match affect significantly to EPOC values, which typically peaked during the first half of the match |
| Practical experiences from measuring exercise intensity and recovery state with heart rate monitoring in team sport | Vänttinen t, Nummela A & Rupf R | 2007 | International Symposium Computer Science in Sport | Cohort study; Athletes, n = 24 | Applied use | EPOC; Stress and recovery | Firstbeat methods were applied into team sports [soccer] and found applicable for following-up of training, quantifying the impact of matches, optimizing preparation, and for teaching players to recognize their overall stress in life |
| A reliable and accurate measuring instrument for performance diagnostics and training control | Wünch A, Schurack O & Schmidt W | 2006 | University of Bayreuth, report | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 17 | Validity | VO2; Ventilation, Respiration rate, EPOC | Firstbeat method utilized in Suunto t6 wrist computer is appropriate for performance diagnostics and training control, and might highly contribute to successful training |
| Suunto t6 - ein zuverlässiges und genaues Messgerät zur Leistungsdiagnostik und Trainingssteuerung? Untersuchung zur Validität und Realibilität anhand von Labortests auf dem Fahrradergometer und Feldtests | Wünch A & Schurack O | 2006 | University of Bayreuth, report | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 17 | Validity | VO2; Ventilation, Respiration rate, EPOC | Firstbeat method utilized in Suunto t6 wrist computer was shown to be valid and reliable in laboratory and field tests for measuring physiological parameters |
| Examination of Suunto t6 regarding Validity and Reliability | Wünch A, Schurack O & Romann M | 2005 | University of Bayreuth, report | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 17 | Validity | VO2; Ventilation, Respiration rate, EPOC | Firstbeat method utilized in Suunto t6 wrist computer provides reliable values during a maximum stress test until exhaustion for ventilation, respiration rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure |
| Influence of increased duration or intensity on training load as evaluated by EPOC and TRIMPS | Rusko H | 2004 | ACSM congress | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 8 | Validity | EPOC | EPOC can give dynamic information on the training load and allows calculation of time needed for recovery i.e. decrease of EPOC to resting level |
| Pre-prediction of EPOC: A tool for monitoring fatigue accumulation during exercise? | Rusko H, Pulkkinen A, Saalasti S, Hynynen E & Kettunen J | 2003 | ACSM congress | Meta-analysis of 48 peer-reviewed articles; Adult, n = 32 in validation dataset | Validity | EPOC | EPOC can be pre-predicted by using only heartbeat data during exercise |
| High-intensity endurance training increases nocturnal heart rate variability in sedentary participants | Nummela A, Hynynen E, Kaikkonen P & Rusko H | 2016 | Biology of sport 33(1): 7-13 | Intervention study; Adults, n = 15 | IApplied use | HRV | Firstbeat method was used during night sleep to investigate the potential of HRV indices for evaluating the training load and training response of sedentary participants in high-intensity endurance training. Nocturnal HFP was found to be a useful method to monitor individual responses to endurance training. |
| Predicting and monitoring individual endurance training adaptation and individualizing training prescription: With endurance performance, cardiac autonomic regulation and neuromuscular performance | Vesterinen V | 2016 | Academic Dissertation. Studies in sport, physical education and health 248, University of Jyväskylä, Finland | Longitudinal, experimental studies; Recretional athletes, n = 68 | Academic dissertation | HRV | Firstbeat method was used to study usability of cardiac autonomic regulation in predicting and monitoring training adaptations, and individualizing training prescription. Findings suggest that resting HRV shows great potential as a practical tool for monitoring adaptations and individualizing training. |
| Effects of HRV-Guided vs. Predetermined Block Training on Performance, HRV and Serum Hormones | Nuuttila O-P, Nikander A, Polomoshnov D, Laukkanen JA & Häkkinen K | 2017 | International Journal of Sports Medicine | Intervention study; Adults, n = 24 | Applied use; validity | Stress and recovery; HRV | Firstbeat HRV-based Quick Recovery Test was used to guide endurance block training, and it was compared to predetermined training. The study found that individually HRV-guided training may provide greater endurance and neuromuscular adaptations and reduce the risk of overtraining. |
Scientific publications utilizing
Firstbeat Bodyguard (2) device for tracking HRV
| Title | Author | Year | Journal/Proceedings | Study design & Population | Category | Physiological parameter(s) | Insights on findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A biomechanical and physiological study of office seat and tablet device interaction | Weston E, Le P, Marras WS | 2017 | Applied Ergonomics 62 (2017) 83e93 | Experimental study; Adults, n = 20 | Applied use | HRV | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 was used to measure HRV in a study comparing the ergonomic strain caused by different working positions and devices. They found HRV can serve as an objective measure of seating discomfort. |
| Feasibility of high-intensity interval training with hyperoxia vs. intermittent hyperoxia and hypoxia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy – Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial | Schumann M, Schulz H, Hackney AC, Bloch W | 2017 | Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 8: 213-217 | Experimental study | Applied use | None | The paper describes a study protocol of an exercise intervention RCT study for cancer patients. Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 will be used to collect HRV information. |
| Daily monitoring of the internal training load by the heart rate variability: A case study | Ornelas F, Nakamura F, Dos-Santos J, Batista D, Meneghel V, Nogueira W, Brigatto F, Germano M, Sindorf M, Moreno M, Lopes C & Braz T | 2017 | Official research journal of the American society of exercise physiologists 20(1): 151-163 | Case study; Adult, n = 1 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to record HRV for assessing internal training load of one amateur road running athlete |
| Cardiac-activity measures for assessing airport ramp-tower controller's workload | Hayashi M & Dulchinos V | 2016 | Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting | Cross-sectional study; Adults, n = 6 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to measure HRV for assessing workload of airport ramp-tower controllers |
| Evaluating the low back biomechanics of three different office workstations: seated, standing, and perching | Le P & Marras W | 2016 | Applied ergonomics 56: 170-178 | Cohort study; Adults, n = 20 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to measure physiological discomfort assessed via heart rate to study low back biomechanics of three different office workstations |
| Autonomic responses to ultrasound guided percutaneous needle electrolysis of the patellar tendon in healthy male footballers | de la Cruz Torres B, Cabello M, Bermejo P & Orellana J | 2016 | Acupuncture in medicine 34(4):275-279 | Randomized controlled trial; Adults, n = 22 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard device was used to record HRV to study autonomic responses to ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle acupuncture |
| Developmental origins of infant stress reactivity profiles: A multi-system approach | Rash J, Thomas J, Campbell T, Letourneau N, Granger D & Giesbrecht G | 2016 | Developmental Psychobiology 58(5): 578-599 | Cohort study; Adults (women), n = 254 and their infants | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to measure HRV in approx. 6 month old infants and their mothers in a study examining the development of stress reactivity profiles of infants |
| Connected heart rate sensors to monitor sleep quality: electrodes, chestbelt and smartwatch users acceptability | Simonnet M, Billot R & Gourvennec B | 2016 | CHASE 2016: IEEE First Conference on Connected health: Applications, systems and engineering technologies | Experimental study; Adults, n = 12 | Usability | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device acceptability during sleep was tested and compared with 2 other monitors with Firstbeat analytics inside |
| The role of maternal cardiac vagal control in the association between depressive symptoms and gestational hypertension | Rouleau C, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Campbell T, Letourneau N, O'Beirne M, Giesbrecht G & The APrON Study Team | 2016 | Biological Psychology 117: 32-42 | Cohort study; Adults (pregnant women), n = 287 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to measure HRV in a study examining the role of HRV in the association between depressed mood and gestational hypertension during pregnancy |
| A biomechanical and physiological study of office seat and tablet device interaction | Weston E, Le P & Marras W | 2016 | Applied Ergonomics 62: 83-93 | Experimental study; Adult 20 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to investigate physiological discomfort and the effects of two different chairs, two different devices, and their interaction. |
| Towards 24/7 continuous heart rate monitoring | Tarniceriu A, Parak J, Renevey P, Nurmi M, Bertschi M, Delgado-Gonzalo R & Korhonen I | 2016 | 38th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) | Experimental study; Adults, n = 42 | Validity | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard was used as an ECG-based reference in a study aiming to develop an algorithmic approach to reduce power consumption of the optical HR monitoring technology in 24/7 HR monitoring |
| Acute and dealyed response to resistance exercise leading or not leading to muscle failure | Pareja-Blanco F, Rodriguez-Rosell D, Sanchez-Medina L, Ribas-Serna J, Lopez-Lopez C, Mora-Custodio R, Yanez-Garcia JM & Gonzales-Badillo J | 2016 | Clinical Physiology Functional Imaging (Epub ahead of print) doi: 10.1111/cpf.12348 | Experimental study; Adults n = 10 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firtsbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to study autonomic cardiovascular response to resistance exercise protocols differing in the number of repetitions per set |
| Heartbeat scaling in early adolescents: Its association with anxiety symptoms and sensitivity to punishment | de la Torre-Luque A, Fiol-Veny A, Balle M & Bornas X | 2016 | International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology 16: 287-294 | Case-control study; Adolescents n = 50 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard was used to evaluate if risk of anxiety disorders may be seen in HRV parameters |
| Long-Term Monitoring of Physical Behavior Reveals Different Cardiac Responses to Physical Activity among Subjects with and without Chronic Neck Pain | Hallman D, Mathiassen SE, Lyskov E | 2015 | BioMed Research International | Case-control study; Adults, n = 56 | Applied use | HRV | Firstbeat Bodyguard device was used for measuring HRV in a study assessing differences in HRV responses to daily physical activity between subjects with and without chronic neck pain |
| Evaluation of the beat-to-beat detection accuracy of PulseOn wearable optical heart rate monitor | Parak J, Tarniceriu A, Renevey P, Bertschi M, Delgado-Gonzalo R & Korhonen I | 2015 | Study by PulseOn | Experimental study; Adults, n = 10 | Validity | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used as an ECG-based reference device against optical beat-by-beat measurement |
| Two new indexes for the assessment of autonomic balance in elite soccer players | Orellana J, de la Cruz Torres B, Cachadña ES, de Hoyo M & Cobo SD | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Physiology Perform 10(4): 452-457 | Experimental study; Adults, n = 25 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard device was used for measuring HRV in a study assessing autonomic nervous system balance in elite soccer players |
| Changes in physical activity and heart rate variability in chronic neck-shoulder pain: monitoring during work and leisure time | Hallman D, Ekman A & Lyskov E | 2014 | International archives of occupational and environmental health 87(7): 735-744 | Case-control study; Adults, n = 56 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard device was used to measure HRV during sleep to astudy autonomic responses of workers with chronic neck-shoulder pain vs. matched workers without pain |
| Cognitive, behavioral, and autonomic correlates of mind wandering and perseverative cognition in major depression | Ottaviani C, Shahabi L, Tarvainen M, Cook I, Abrams M & Shapiro D | 2014 | Frontiers in Neuroscience 8: 433 | Case-control study; Adults, n = 36 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to measure HRV in a study aiming to examine the autonomic concomitants of functional vs. dysfunctional intrusive thoughts in Major Depressive Disorder |
| Cognitive Performance and Heart Rate Variability: The Influence of Fitness Level | Luque-Casado A, Zabala M, Morales E, Mateo-March M & Sanabria D | 2013 | PlosOne 8(2): e56935 | Cross-sectional study; Young males n = 26 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device was used to record HRV during the experimental sessions in a study investigating the relation between cognitive performance and heart rate variability as a function of fitness level |
| Heart rate variability and phantom pain in male amputees: Application of linear and nonlinear methods | Cachadiña ES, Garcia PG, Da Luz T, Esteban RG, Perez OB, Orellana N & de la Rosa B | 2013 | Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development 50(3): 449-454 | Cross-sectional study; Adults n = 35 | Measurement | RR-intervals | Firstbeat Bodyguard and Firstbeat analysis method was used to analyze HRV in a study investigating autonomic nervous system function in adult males with amputation |
Scientific publications related to
Physiological modeling, signal processing and mathematical modeling
| Title | Author | Year | Journal/Proceedings | Study design & Population | Category | Physiological parameter(s) | Insights on findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy expenditure can be accurately estimated from HR without individual laboratory calibration. | Pulkkinen A, Saalasti S & Rusko H | 2005 | ACSM congress | Cross-sectional study: Adult, n = 32 | Validity | VO2; Energy expenditure | Firstbeat method provided an accurate and practical method for estimating energy expenditure without individual laboratory calibration making it especially suitable for field use |
| Artefact correction for heart beat and interval data | Saalasti S, Seppänen M & Kuusela A | 2004 | ProBisi Meeting, Jyväskylä 1.10.2004 | Mathematical; uses R-R interval data | Validity | HRV | The RR-interval artefact correction method by Firstbeat was proven to be fast, very accurate and reliable as it was able to find the correct HR level even in situations where half of the data were artefacts. |
| On- and Off Dynamics and Respiration Rate Enhance the Accuracy of Heart Rate Based VO2 Estimation | Pulkkinen A, Kettunen J, Martinmäki K, Saalasti S & Rusko H | 2004 | ACSM congress | Cross-sectional study; Adult, n = 32 | Validity | VO2 | HR-based VO2 estimation can be enhanced using information on On- and Off-dynamics and respiration rate that can be derived reliably using beat-to-beat RR-interval data only |
| Neural networks for heart rate time series analysis | Saalasti S | 2003 | Academic Dissertation. Department of Mathematical Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland | Mathematical: uses R-R interval data | Academic Dissertation | HRV, EPOC, Respiration rate | The study introduced methodology utilizing neural network modeling for interpreting heart rate data, and provided several innovations combining human physiology and mathematical modeling |
| Rusko et al. (2003). Pre-Prediction of EPOC: A Tool for Monitoring Fatigue Accumulation during Exercise? | Rusko H, Pulkkinen A, Saalasti S, Hynynen E & Kettunen J | 2003 | ACSM congress | Meta-analysis of 48 peer-reviewed articles; Adult, n = 32 in validation dataset | Validity | EPOC | EPOC can be pre-predicted by using only heartbeat data during exercise |