Heart rate monitors-advice-tutorial

[Tony Cook]

Sorry to jump on the thread, but I saw you mention HRV in another post and wondered what it was... is it this?
https://www.whoop.com/thelocker/heart-r ... ility-hrv/ ?

Yes mate, that's it. That's a good article as I'd forgotten some of the science behind it all.

Hi Stu,
I’ve just downloaded Elite HRV and did my first measurement- 68 HRV and 53 HR. How will I know whether I am 2/10 or 9/10 tomorrow? Does the app tell me each time I do a measurement or do have to do some maths?
Thanks.

[Dangerscouse]

Hi Stu,
I’ve just downloaded Elite HRV and did my first measurement- 68 HRV and 53 HR. How will I know whether I am 2/10 or 9/10 tomorrow? Does the app tell me each time I do a measurement or do have to do some maths?
Thanks.

I think it needs a couple of readings to figure out your baseline, and then it can give you recommendations, but the more info it's got the better. The app does everything for you so all you need to do is sit, or lie down, and let it take your readings.

It works on the basis of your 'normal' so it needs to understand what that is, but it's quite interesting so far, and I'd say it was helpful this morning as I was tired, but it gave me a reading of 7/10, ie good to do a harder session, which turned out to be correct.

[jurgwhitehouse]

The CooSpo chest strap is highly recommended. I’ve been using mine every day for over 2 years without any problems. Just be sure to buy a lot of batteries (CR2032) because the dual-connection will get through them quickly (ANT+ to the PM4/5 and BT to the Polar Beat app). I set a reminder to swap in a new battery monthly because the first indication you get that it’s low is a spurious 200bpm reading, which is terrifying.

The CooSpo doesn’t work with HRV apps though. Or rather it does but the values will be random noise. Something about the R-R accuracy makes it unsuitable. You need a more expensive one for that (eg Polar). Alternatively use HRV4TRAINING which works by sticking your finger over the phone camera.

[Dangerscouse]

The CooSpo chest strap is highly recommended. I’ve been using mine every day for over 2 years without any problems. Just be sure to buy a lot of batteries (CR2032) because the dual-connection will get through them quickly (ANT+ to the PM4/5 and BT to the Polar Beat app). I set a reminder to swap in a new battery monthly because the first indication you get that it’s low is a spurious 200bpm reading, which is terrifying.

The CooSpo doesn’t work with HRV apps though. Or rather it does but the values will be random noise. Something about the R-R accuracy makes it unsuitable. You need a more expensive one for that (eg Polar). Alternatively use HRV4TRAINING which works by sticking your finger over the phone camera.

Hi mate, I don't see you on here very often. It's Stu.

I wonder if you've got an older version as I've had CooSpo since August, used it most days, and I've not changed the batteries. Lots of long distance sessions done since August too. It's also recorded my HRV for the past 17 days, always giving a reading that I agree with, so it defo works for me, unless it's exceptionally good at guesswork

[jurgwhitehouse]

The CooSpo chest strap is highly recommended. I’ve been using mine every day for over 2 years without any problems. Just be sure to buy a lot of batteries (CR2032) because the dual-connection will get through them quickly (ANT+ to the PM4/5 and BT to the Polar Beat app). I set a reminder to swap in a new battery monthly because the first indication you get that it’s low is a spurious 200bpm reading, which is terrifying.

The CooSpo doesn’t work with HRV apps though. Or rather it does but the values will be random noise. Something about the R-R accuracy makes it unsuitable. You need a more expensive one for that (eg Polar). Alternatively use HRV4TRAINING which works by sticking your finger over the phone camera.

Hi mate, I don't see you on here very often. It's Stu.

I wonder if you've got an older version as I've had CooSpo since August, used it most days, and I've not changed the batteries. Lots of long distance sessions done since August too. It's also recorded my HRV for the past 17 days, always giving a reading that I agree with, so it defo works for me, unless it's exceptionally good at guesswork

Hi Stu! My heart beats faster than yours so it wears the battery down quicker (or like you said, I have the older model). Definitely check about the HRV however. I used mine for a few weeks with EliteHRV thinking it was working whereas in reality it was entirely random. There’s an approved list on their website IIRC.

[mict450]

The CooSpo doesn’t work with HRV apps though. Or rather it does but the values will be random noise. Something about the R-R accuracy makes it unsuitable. You need a more expensive one for that (eg Polar).

Looking at the company website is a little confusing as some of it is in Chinese characters. There appears to be 3 or 4 different chest strap models. The model 808S specs out to give accurate HRV. Amazon, however, doesn't specify which model they sell.

[Dangerscouse]

Hi Stu! My heart beats faster than yours so it wears the battery down quicker (or like you said, I have the older model). Definitely check about the HRV however. I used mine for a few weeks with EliteHRV thinking it was working whereas in reality it was entirely random. There’s an approved list on their website IIRC.

I'll check, but I did have a 2/10 last week the day after I did a 28k, and I felt very drained, and I had a 10/10 today and the 12k felt effortless, along with a 7/10 yesterday for my 4 x 2k, so it was very accurate with those sessions.

I think mine says 808S when it comes on the monitor, so maybe I have been lucky. Amazon says it's compatible but they will say more or less anything to get a sale

[mict450]

I think mine says 808S when it comes on the monitor, so maybe I have been lucky. Amazon says it's compatible but they will say more or less anything to get a sale

Studying the Amazon site, there is absolutely no info on model number that I can find. There is one model that seems to "suggest" that it will work with the HRV app per one photo. Price is $31.67 USD. I don't know why they have to be so damned cryptic about it!!

[mict450]

Bingo!! Found a model H8, compatible with Elite HRV, for $24.99 USD.

[Dangerscouse]

Bingo!! Found a model H8, compatible with Elite HRV, for $24.99 USD.

Perfect.

[winniewinser]

I've also downloaded the Elite HRV app. Not sure I'm getting great reading after 5 days and my H10 connectivity is spotty.

This morning, after a brutal 2k yesterday it said I was 9/10 .... feeling more like a 4. May purchase the full version so it can connect to Strava for activity tracking.

[Dangerscouse]

I've also downloaded the Elite HRV app. Not sure I'm getting great reading after 5 days and my H10 connectivity is spotty.

This morning, after a brutal 2k yesterday it said I was 9/10 .... feeling more like a 4. May purchase the full version so it can connect to Strava for activity tracking.

I think this can be the beauty of HRV. Whilst you assume you're battered, it can identify the subtle difference. I've had days that have been surprising in their readings, but have been proved to be correct.

The other issue is that five days may not be much info for it to give you a proper reading of what is normal for you. Building to a 2k will be quite unique in the stresses so it may be giving you a higher reading as your stress leading up to it has declined.

Annoyingly my BT wouldn't connect this morning so I couldn't check my HRV

[winniewinser]

I've also downloaded the Elite HRV app. Not sure I'm getting great reading after 5 days and my H10 connectivity is spotty.

This morning, after a brutal 2k yesterday it said I was 9/10 .... feeling more like a 4. May purchase the full version so it can connect to Strava for activity tracking.

I think this can be the beauty of HRV. Whilst you assume you're battered, it can identify the subtle difference. I've had days that have been surprising in their readings, but have been proved to be correct.

The other issue is that five days may not be much info for it to give you a proper reading of what is normal for you. Building to a 2k will be quite unique in the stresses so it may be giving you a higher reading as your stress leading up to it has declined.

Annoyingly my BT wouldn't connect this morning so I couldn't check my HRV

Thx...I'll keep it going and see what's what.

Pretty stressed today putting up the bloomin Xmas tree . I'm not a festive person!!!!

[mict450]

I've also downloaded the Elite HRV app. Not sure I'm getting great reading after 5 days and my H10 connectivity is spotty.

This morning, after a brutal 2k yesterday it said I was 9/10 .... feeling more like a 4. May purchase the full version so it can connect to Strava for activity tracking.

I think this can be the beauty of HRV. Whilst you assume you're battered, it can identify the subtle difference. I've had days that have been surprising in their readings, but have been proved to be correct.

The other issue is that five days may not be much info for it to give you a proper reading of what is normal for you. Building to a 2k will be quite unique in the stresses so it may be giving you a higher reading as your stress leading up to it has declined.

Annoyingly my BT wouldn't connect this morning so I couldn't check my HRV

Thx...I'll keep it going and see what's what.

Pretty stressed today putting up the bloomin Xmas tree . I'm not a festive person!!!!

Per the web site: it will take about 2 weeks to establish a reliable baseline. During that time, the readiness score may not match how you feel.

https://help.elitehrv.com/article/74-ho ... line-works

[mict450]

I've also downloaded the Elite HRV app. Not sure I'm getting great reading after 5 days and my H10 connectivity is spotty.

Alex, your post is surprising as the H10 has a supposedly superior strap to more accurately capture the electrical signals from the heart. You could try the following that we used in the hospital with patients we had difficulty getting a clean EKG.

1. Using water to wet the strap? Try using electrode gel. In a pinch, KY jelly will do. I have no clue whether petroleum jelly would work or not. I think it would be preferable to use a water-based gel.
2. Scrub the skin with rubbing alcohol & let dry before attaching your strap.
3. If hairy, shave the chest where the HRM electrodes rest.