--- title: Data Analytics FAQs description: Frequently asked questions about data analytics, including the Garmin SDK, heart rate variability, and compatibility with tools like MatLab and Excel. --- [Skip to content](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#main-content) [Contact Support](https://help.labfront.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![LabFront\_logo\_landscape-2](https://help.labfront.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/LabFront_logo_landscape-2.png?width=150&height=38&name=LabFront_logo_landscape-2.png)](https://www.labfront.com) - [Sign In](https://app.labfront.com/) - [Back to Website](https://www.labfront.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Sign In](https://app.labfront.com/) - [Back to Website](https://www.labfront.com/) - [Contact Support](https://help.labfront.com/kb-tickets/new) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.labfront.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Data Metrics and Analysis](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en) 3. [Data Analytics](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en#data-analytics) # Data Analytics FAQs ## Frequently asked questions about Labfront's data analytics. ---     In this article: - ##### [Data access and compatibility](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#data-access) - ##### [High-resolution data: HRV and sleep actigraphy](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#high-res-data) - ##### [Analytics services and reporting](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#services) - ##### [Understanding data values](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#data-values) ---   ### 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](https://help.labfront.com/choosing-your-garmin-data?hsLang=en)   #### 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](https://help.labfront.com/download-your-data?hsLang=en),  [How data is organized](https://help.labfront.com/how-data-is-organized?hsLang=en)   [Back to top 🔼](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#table-of-contents) --- 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 | #### Is the BBI data preprocessed by Labfront? The BBI is obtained from the Garmin device directly, we then provide the BBI as it is provided by the Garmin sensor to you. However, for the HRV analysis (one of our analytics services), we would then conduct standard cleaning and pre-analysis techniques prior to analyzing the HRV. - You can find more details [here on](https://help.labfront.com/understanding-enhanced-bbi?hsLang=en)[the new Enhanced BBI](https://help.labfront.com/understanding-enhanced-bbi?hsLang=en) we helped Garmin develop, which also includes confidence scores for each BBI. - Additional resources: [Understanding BBI,](https://www.labfront.com/article/understanding-enhanced-bbi)[Demystifying Garmin BBI](https://www.labfront.com/article/demystifying-garmins-enhanced-bbi-for-hrv-research) #### 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: - **Conduct your own analysis** using the BBI data. - **Purchase our [HRV Analytics Reports](https://www.labfront.com/analytics/report)**. These reports offer a comprehensive breakdown, including time-domain, frequency-domain, and optional non-linear metrics. We handle data cleaning, processing, and analysis for you. - You can [review the details of what the HRV Reports include here](https://help.labfront.com/labfront-analytics-hrv-report?hsLang=en). Recommended article: [Understanding Enhanced BBI](https://help.labfront.com/understanding-enhanced-bbi?hsLang=en)   #### What's the difference between Garmin Connect sleep metrics and Labfront's Sleep Actigraphy Reports? There are 2 options for sleep data when using Garmin devices: - ##### **Garmin Connect Sleep Data** - This includes metrics like sleep duration, score, and stages as tracked through Garmin Connect. Keep in mind, this relies on Garmin's proprietary algorithm and is considered consumer-grade, so it may not be highly accurate. - ##### **Clinical-Grade Sleep Actigraphy Reports** - We offer detailed sleep actigraphy reports generated from the high-resolution actigraphy data collected via the Labfront App. These reports provide more precise insights, including sleep duration, awakenings, sleep efficiency, and more. You can learn more about actigraphy [here](https://help.labfront.com/actigraphy-overview?hsLang=en). | ##### **Feature** | ##### **Garmin Connect Sleep Data** | ##### **Labfront Clinical-Grade Sleep Actigraphy Reports** | | --- | --- | --- | | ##### **Source Data** | Consumer-grade metrics (duration, score, stages) | High-resolution [actigraphy data](https://help.labfront.com/actigraphy-overview?hsLang=en) from the Labfront App | | ##### **Analysis** | Garmin's proprietary algorithm | Movement frequency/ZCM (Cole-Kripke, Sadeh) Movement energy/PIM (Actiware). [Read the white paper→](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.23297889v1) | | ##### **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.  [We encourage you to read the white paper in its entirety→](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.23297889v1.full.pdf)     #### **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](https://www.labfront.com/collection/actigraphy)**and [**Labfront Actigraphy comparison paper**](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.23297889v1).    [Back to top 🔼](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#table-of-contents) --- ### 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](https://www.labfront.com/analytics/report) (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](https://www.labfront.com/analytics), [contact us](mailto:hello@labfront.com) for more information, or book a [consultation here](https://calendly.com/jmasys/labfront_intro_30min).    #### 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→](https://www.labfront.com/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 →](https://www.labfront.com/analytics)   #### 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→](https://www.labfront.com/pricing) - **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→](https://www.labfront.com/pricing) - **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.     [Back to top 🔼](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#table-of-contents) --- ### 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**](https://help.labfront.com/data-documentation?hsLang=en).   [Back to top 🔼](https://help.labfront.com/data-analytics-faqs#table-of-contents) - [Getting Started](https://help.labfront.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started FAQs](https://help.labfront.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#getting-started-faqs) - [Getting Started with Labfront Guide for Researchers](https://help.labfront.com/getting-started?hsLang=en#getting-started-with-labfront-guide-for-researchers) - [Using Labfront](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Project Creation, Setup and Edits](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#project-creation-setup-and-edits) - [Workspace](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#workspace) - [Participant Management](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#participant-management) - [Participant App](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#participant-app) - [Users and Accounts](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#users-and-accounts) - [Participant Experience](https://help.labfront.com/using-labfront?hsLang=en#participant-experience) - [Garmin](https://help.labfront.com/garmin?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://help.labfront.com/garmin?hsLang=en#general) - [Using Device](https://help.labfront.com/garmin?hsLang=en#using-device) - [Movesense](https://help.labfront.com/movesense?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://help.labfront.com/movesense?hsLang=en#general) - [Using Device](https://help.labfront.com/movesense?hsLang=en#using-device) - [Data](https://help.labfront.com/movesense?hsLang=en#data) - [Dexcom](https://help.labfront.com/dexcom?hsLang=en) - [Data Metrics and Analysis](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Data Management](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en#data-management) - [Data Metrics](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en#data-metrics) - [Data Analytics](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en#data-analytics) - [Analytics Reports](https://help.labfront.com/data-metrics-and-analysis?hsLang=en#analytics-reports) - [Pricing, Plans and Payment](https://help.labfront.com/pricing-plans-and-payment?hsLang=en) - [Legal and Security](https://help.labfront.com/legal-and-security?hsLang=en) - [Participant Resources](https://help.labfront.com/participant-resources?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Participant Guides](https://help.labfront.com/participant-resources?hsLang=en#participant-guides) - [Supporting Resources](https://help.labfront.com/supporting-resources?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Grants, Funding and IRB Applications](https://help.labfront.com/supporting-resources?hsLang=en#grants-funding-and-irb-applications) [![labfront logo](https://help.labfront.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LabFront_logo_landscape-1.png?width=95&height=24&name=LabFront_logo_landscape-1.png "labfront logo")](https://www.labfront.com) Boston, MA, USA [mailto:support@labfront.com](mailto:support@labfront.com) Copyright © 2026, Labfront