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Data Analytics FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Labfront's data analytics.

 
         In this article:

 

Data access and compatibility

Does Labfront use the Garmin Companion SDK or the Garmin Health API?

Labfront supports both the Garmin Companion SDK and the Garmin Health API. The Labfront platform automatically accesses the appropriate one based on your project's specific data requirements (e.g., standard consumer data vs. high-resolution data).

Recommended article: Choosing your data source

 

Can I import the data into Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, SPSS, or other apps?

Yes. Labfront provides the data in CSV formats that can be easily imported into popular data analytics applications.

Recommended articles: Downloading your data,  How data is organized

 

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High-resolution data: HRV and sleep actigraphy

What is the difference between HRV from Garmin Connect and HRV derived from BBI?

Feature
Garmin Connect HRV
HRV Derived from Labfront BBI Data
Data Resolution
 Low-resolution High-resolution (Beat-to-Beat Interval)
Analysis Method
 Proprietary Garmin algorithm ("black box") Open-source/Custom algorithms for research
Measurement Time
 Typically measured only during sleep Flexible, can be analyzed for any time data is collected
Reliability
 May be deemed unreliable and not appear by the device Provides the highest level of detail for robust analysis

 

How can I get Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data from Labfront?

To derive Heart Rate Variability (HRV), you must collect the Beat-to-Beat Interval (BBI) data using the Labfront Companion app. Once collected, you have two options:

Recommended article: Understanding Enhanced BBI

 

What's the difference between Garmin Connect sleep metrics and Labfront's Sleep Actigraphy Reports?

Feature
Garmin Connect Sleep Data
Labfront Clinical-Grade Sleep Actigraphy Reports
Source Data
 Consumer-grade metrics (duration, score, stages) High-resolution actigraphy data from the Labfront App
Analysis
 Garmin's proprietary algorithm
Movement frequency/ZCM (Cole-Kripke, Sadeh)
Movement energy/PIM (Actiware). Read the white paper→
Accuracy
 Considered consumer-grade, may not be highly accurate for research Provides more precise, clinical-grade insights
Metrics
 Sleep duration, score, and stages as tracked through Garmin Connect Sleep duration, awakenings, sleep efficiency, and more detailed actigraphy metrics

 

How does Garmin and Labfront’s actigraphy data compare to other actigraphic devices?

Our actigraphy solution reaches 95% accuracy replicating leading medical devices that can cost thousands. 
 
 

What are the definitions of all actigraphy metrics, the timescale, and the specific algorithm used?

Detailed answers regarding all metrics (e.g., Zero crossing, energy, time above threshold), timescales, and the specific actigraphy algorithm are available in the Labfront Actigraphy collection and Labfront Actigraphy comparison paper. 

 

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Analytics services and reporting

Does Labfront offer support for data analytics?

Yes. To support researchers without in-house analytics expertise, we offer analytics services at an additional cost. This includes pre-validated analytics reports (like HRV and Sleep Actigraphy) and our "Data Scientist On-Demand" service.

Our expert analytics team are alumni of Harvard's Center for Dynamical Biomarkers.

You can visit our analytics page, contact us for more information, or book a consultation here. 

 

Does the Labfront Advanced package include data analysis, or is it a separate add-on service, requiring the user to download raw data for their own analysis?

The Advanced package includes access to the platform only. The analytics services are an add-on service. Learn more about Labfront analytics→

 

What's included in your analytics packages (e.g., HRV, Sleep Actigraphy)?

Our analytics packages typically include:

  • End-to-end support on setup and data collection.

  • Predefined analyses (e.g., sleep stages/regularity, HRV metrics, actigraphy outputs).

  • A structured report and support from a data scientist to interpret results and align them with your study goals.

  • The exact scope is agreed upon with you before the project starts.

 

Do you offer custom analytics solutions or a "Data Scientist On-Demand" service?

Yes. We offer a specialized "Data Scientist On-Demand" service for more customization and deeper data exploration, as well as customized analytics reports tailored to specific needs.

Learn more about our analytics services →

 

What are the differences between your Standard and Pro HRV Analytics Reports?

Feature
Standard HRV Report
Pro HRV Report
Starting Price
 $2,000 $4,000
Included Metrics
 Time-Domain (SDRR, RMSSD, pNN50) and Frequency-Domain (VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) All Standard metrics, plus Non-Linear Domain (Multi-Scale Entropy (MSE), Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA a1, DFA a2)
Noise Filtering
 Included Included

 

Is the "analytics" pricing per year or per report, and what is the exact definition of a "participant" for billing purposes?

  • General platform access (per year): Billed for N participants for a defined period (e.g., a year). View our plans→

  • Analytics reports (Add-on): Generally a one-time cost (e.g., one HRV/Sleep Actigraphy report per participant) since reports are generated after data collection is complete. 20 participants are included in each analytics package. View pricing details here→

  • Participant Definition: The cost is based on the number of participant slots used. If one physical device is used by 10 different participants over a year, it counts as 10 participant slots for billing purposes.

 

 

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Understanding data values

What is the meaning of the -1 and -2 values for stress and Body Battery?

Stress level values (ranging from 1 to 100) are provided as 3-minute averages of the real-time stress scores.

  • A value of -1 means there was not enough data to detect stress.

  • A value of -2 means there was too much motion (e.g., the user was walking or running).

Stress scores are categorized as:

  • 1–25: Rest (i.e., not stressful)

  • 26–50: Low stress

  • 51–75: Medium stress

  • 76–100: High stress

To learn more about all data metrics and their meaning, please refer to our Data Dictionary.

 

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