HRV Data Collection Steps

AcqKnowledge from BIOPAC

While there are various methods of collecting HRV data, we will be using BIOPAC's hardware with a 3 lead setup and collecting the data in AcqKnowledge.

Setting Up a New Channel

Before data collection can begin, a channel must be prepared.

Launch the AcqKnowledge program on the desktop. A window like the one below should appear
Select "Create/Record a new experiment" and "Create empty graph". Then, select "OK"

In the new window that appears, make sure that all boxes (Acquire, Plot, and Value) are checked next to "Channel 1"

In the "Preset" drop-down menu, select "Electrocardiogram (ECG), .05 - 100 Hz, AHA". This sets the range of frequencies BIOPAC will record in your data. Then, select "Close"

(NOTE: If you want a more narrow range of data, you may select a different range. However, you can always add in more filters, but you cannot add in more data that was filtered out originally)

After you close out of the Data Acquisition Set-Up page, the chart will appear to be blank. This is ok. Once you begin recording, the ECG channel will populate on its own

Lead Setup and Data Collection

Using the BIOPAC electrode lead set (SS2L) and three disposable electrodes (EL503), place one electrode on each of the points marked in the figure below
Turn on the BIOPAC unit and plug the electrode lead into Channel 1
Attach the leads to the electrodes according to the diagram displayed below. Ensure that the leads are securely attached to the electrode with the side of the lead where the metal is closest to the body/electrode

Have the participant sit or lay down as relaxed as possible in order to begin a baseline recording for at least 30 seconds by selecting the "Start" button in the top left hand corner of the screen
If collecting steady state data, it may be best to turn off the lights, and continue recording for >5 minutes to ensure quality data
When completed, select "Stop"
You may record a participant multiple times on the same graph if you select "Start" again; the new data will be separated by a thick vertical black line on the graph

For the best quality data, the QRS waves should resemble the image below (although you may have to resize the graph). Avoid having the participant move, talk, or be in an environment where distractions/noises are occuring, unless it is part of the study which should be marked on the graph while recording.

Other Data Collection Methods

ECG data collection using Physio16

Cords are in the brown box in the cabinet under the fridge.
Take one blue and one white cord and plug them into the 2 ports labeled “1” on the Physio16 box.
Using BIOPAC electrode pads, apply the first cord to the right side of the chest under the collarbone and the second cord to the left side of the body on the rib cage.
Open Net Station Acquisition and input participant ID.
On the right tool bar go to the “Hardware Settings” tab.
Under “PNS Set” select “Physio16 HRV ECG Set Up” which will have all of the proper ECG settings already programmed
- Sampling rate should be at 250 s/s.
Hit the “On” button and check the quality of data before recording.
- Screen for any strange line noise, etc.
After recording is complete simply save data into the corresponding participant folder.

Chest strap data collection using Polar H10

There are two chest strap sizes, choose whichever you think will fit.
Wet and place strap on participant, ensuring that the device is snapped into the band.
- Band should fall around the bottom of the sternum.
- Recording/device detection does not occur until skin contact is made.
Open Elite HRV app and ensure that the device is connected via Bluetooth.
Click the “+” button on the tool bar and select “Open Reading”.
Once device is fully connected/detected begin recording for the allotted length of time.
When finished title the file with the participant ID.
To export data either do so right after recording or click the “…” tab and then select “Export Data”.
File will be emailed to you and you can simply place it in the participant’s folder.