Video Tutorials and FAQ

Kubios HRV Scientific is a market-leading, comprehensive desktop software designed for detailed and accurate analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). It is trusted by researchers, physiologists, medical professionals, and sports scientists in over 1800 universities and research institutes across 149 countries for its gold-standard HRV metrics and robust analysis capabilities.

The software allows you to analyze HRV data from various data sources, including RR interval data from HR monitors, as well as raw ECG and PPG recordings in various file formats. Importantly, a Kubios HRV Scientific license also unlocks the full capabilities of the Custom Measurement mode in the Kubios HRV mobile app, enabling versatile data recording in the field or in the lab.

Kubios HRV Scientific Lite is a free HRV analysis software designed for personal use or introductory academic exploration of heart rate variability. While it’s a great starting point, it’s important to understand its limitations for more demanding research.

Due to significantly reduced pre-processing and analysis capabilities, the Lite version is not recommended for rigorous scientific studies. Kubios HRV Scientific Lite is intended for non-commercial use only. For a detailed comparison of features between the Lite and Full (Scientific) versions, please see the Lite vs. Full version comparison table.

Kubios HRV Scientific analyzes beat-to-beat RR intervals, raw ECG, and PPG data from various sources. It supports many common file formats, including:

• For RR interval data: FIT-files (.fit) and plain text RR interval files (*.txt, *.csv)
• For ECG and PPG data: EDF/EDF+, Cardiology XML, and plain text data files (*.txt, *.csv)

For the complete, up-to-date list of compatible measurement devices, please visit our Supported devices page.

Your Kubios HRV Scientific license includes access to the Custom Measurement mode within the Kubios HRV mobile app. This mode is specifically designed for researchers and professionals needing to perform diverse types of HRV measurements.

As the Kubios HRV app utilizes the Polar SDK, we recommend the following sensors for optimal performance and data capabilities:

• Polar H10: This chest strap HR sensor allows you to record accurate beat-to-beat RR interval data, as well as raw ECG and acceleration data.
• Polar Verity Sense: This optical armband HR sensor enables the recording of beat-to-beat pulse intervals (PPI), along with raw PPG waveform and acceleration data.

For more detailed guidance on using the Kubios HRV app for measurements, please watch our video tutorial. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store; however, for longer-term HRV measurements, Android devices are generally recommended.

For research requiring simultaneous HRV recordings from multiple participants using the Kubios HRV mobile app, our Group Measurement license provides the ideal solution. This license enables multiple active sessions on the app, with its primary difference from a standard license being the number of concurrent mobile app sessions allowed.

It’s important to note that each active measurement requires its own phone and a compatible HR sensor (e.g., 10 simultaneous measurements would need 10 phones and 10 sensors). Participants can conduct these measurements remotely, but each needs to log into the app using the same Kubios user account associated with the Group Measurement license. To distinguish individual data, you can create Measurement Subject profiles within the app’s custom measurement mode. Following data collection, all HRV measurements can be downloaded and analyzed on your computer using the Kubios HRV Scientific software.

For pricing information or a personalized quote for the Group Measurement license, please contact our sales team at sales@kubios.com.

Kubios HRV Scientific license is a 1-year subscription license, which allows you to use Kubios HRV Scientific on one computer (one active session at a time). When you purchase the software, you will receive a license key. In order to use the software, you need to log in with a Kubios account and activate the software using the license key, which will link your Kubios user account with the license. The custom measurement mode of the Kubios HRV mobile app is also enabled for the licensed user (one active custom measurement session allowed at a time).

Please note that we do also provide the following license types for Kubios HRV Scientific:

• Group measurement license. Measure 10 or more participants simultaneously using the Kubios HRV mobile app and analyze all your recordings in Kubios HRV Scientific.
• Classroom license. For educational organizations to use a single license key in the entire classroom with 10 or more computers.
• Multi-year licenses. In addition to the default 1-year subscription period, we can also offer 2-year and 3-year subscriptions for Kubios HRV Scientific.

Please contact our sales team (sales@kubios.com) for pricing information or personalized quote.

You need a Kubios user account in order to use Kubios HRV Scientific. When you start the software for the first time, you need to login with a Kubios user account. If you don’t have a Kubios user account yet, you can register an account from the login screen. If you already have a license to Kubios HRV Scientific, you will be able to use the software after logging in. If you have purchased a license but the license has not been linked to your user account yet, you need to activate the software with the license key. The activation will link the license to your user account. Note that activation of Kubios HRV Scientific will also give you access to the custom measurement feature of Kubios HRV mobile application (you can store and access your measurements).

Kubios HRV Scientific is a subscription license, with the subscription starting on the order creation date. The standard subscription period is one year, but we also offer the option for extended subscriptions of two or three years upon request (please inquire about a quote or custom order link from sales@kubios.com).

When you purchase a license, you have the choice to store your payment information, enabling automatic annual renewal of your subscription. Rest assured that you will receive email notifications prior to any renewal charges, and you can cancel your subscription at any time to prevent further charges.

If you opt not to store your payment information, manual renewal will be necessary. You’ll receive email reminders as your subscription expiration date approaches. Failure to manually renew your subscription in a timely manner will result in deactivation of both the subscription and the license. Deactivated subscriptions cannot be reactivated.

To manage your Kubios HRV subscription(s), please log into your Subscription Management Portal.

Starting with certain models introduced in late 2020, Apple began the transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon in Mac computers. As a result, we offer two different macOS installers on our download page: one for Mac computers with Apple silicon and the other for Intel-based Mac computers. If you encounter issues running the Kubios HRV Scientific installer on your Mac, please ensure that you have downloaded the correct installer (note that the Apple silicon installer is not compatible with Intel-based Mac computers).

If you are unsure about whether your Mac is equipped with Apple silicon or an Intel processor, you can verify this information in the “About This Mac” dialog. On Mac computers with Apple silicon, “About This Mac” displays an item labeled “Chip”, followed by the name of the chip (e.g., “Apple M2 Pro”). On Mac computers with an Intel processor, “About This Mac” shows an item labeled “Processor”, followed by the name of an Intel processor.

When you install Kubios HRV Scientific into a Mac computer using Apple silicon, you also need to install Amazon Corretto 11 (which is a Java runtime required to run the software). Kubios HRV Scientific installer will remind you about this requirement and provides a link to download the required Java runtime.

If you didn’t complete the Java runtime installation when you installed Kubios HRV Scientific, you can download the Amazon Corretto 11 installer from: www.mathworks.com/support/requirements/apple-silicon.html.

Kubios HRV Team Readiness is a software for monitoring physiological readiness using heart rate variability (HRV) measured via the Kubios HRV mobile app. It is tailored for sports and wellness professionals working with teams, helping them to optimize team performance and enhance coaching strategies. Researchers can also utilize the software, streamlining data collection for research on interventions or occupational health, as participants can take daily readiness measurements remotely using the Kubios HRV app. Key metrics include a personalized HRV-based readiness index and physiological age, providing valuable insights within the software, along with detailed HRV analytics.

To get started with the Team Readiness monitoring, you need a software license covering your team size. We offer licenses for small (max 10 members), medium (max 25 members), and large (max 50 members) teams. All Team Readiness licenses include software updates and technical support. License pricing is available at the Team Readiness software product page. If you need a larger license, please contact our sales (sales@kubios.com) for enterprise licensing. Additionally, each team member needs a Bluetooth HR sensor compatible with the Kubios HRV mobile app (e.g., Polar H10 or Verity Sense) to make readiness measurements remotely. The Kubios HRV mobile app is free for the team members.

Here are the five key steps to start monitoring the readiness of your team:

1. The coach or team admin installs the Team Readiness software and creates a team, generating a team invite key.
2. Athletes or team members install the Kubios HRV mobile app, create an account, and join the team using the invite key.
3. Team members perform a daily 2–5 minute HRV recording, ideally in the morning, using a Bluetooth heart rate sensor.
4. Data is automatically uploaded to the cloud, where it is analyzed. Coaches can then view these results and insights in the Team Readiness software.
5. Coaches can then access and review each athlete’s subjective feeling, readiness score, fatigue level, and other key HRV-based metrics to inform training decisions and optimize performance.

Kubios HRV Team Readiness is an ideal solution for optimizing team performance via HRV-based recovery monitoring, allowing for optimized training intensity and recovery periods. Kubios offers scientifically validated heart rate variability analytics, trusted by top researchers around the world, for accurate and reliable monitoring of physiological readiness. The software enables early fatigue detection through acute and chronic fatigue alarms. By adopting HRV-based readiness monitoring within your team, you can make data-driven training decisions and potentially reduce injury risk.

Yes, this is possible via API access. The API access to team readiness data is available as an addon for Large and Enterprise team licenses. It enables you to integrate Kubios HRV team readiness data, including both the raw measurement data and HRV results in a structured format, into your own application or platform.

Yes. By default, athletes can view their own HRV and readiness results in the Kubios HRV mobile app. However, coaches have comprehensive control over team configurations using the Team Readiness software. This includes the option to hide these individual results from athletes, a setting that can be adjusted at any time. Additionally, coaches can set specific durations for the readiness measurement and the preceding relaxation period for team members.

Yes, an internet connection is necessary for several key functions in both the Kubios HRV mobile app and the Team Readiness software. Here’s a breakdown of when it’s specifically needed:

• Logging In: An internet connection is required to log in to both the mobile app and the Team Readiness software.
• Kubios HRV Mobile App (Data Sync): The app needs an active internet connection for HRV data recorded by athletes to be uploaded to the cloud.
• Team Readiness Software (Data Access): The software requires internet access for coaches to retrieve and display the latest readiness results from team members.

For optimal performance and access to the most up-to-date information, a stable internet connection is recommended when using both platforms.

Yes, your team admin license allows you to create multiple teams. The main constraint is that the total number of team members across all your teams must not exceed the limit defined by your Team Readiness software license.

Regarding who can access team data:

• Admin User (You): As the primary admin, you will have access to the readiness data from all teams you create and manage.
• Manager Accounts: Depending on your specific license, it may include one or more Manager accounts. You can grant these Managers access to view readiness data for specific teams by assigning them a manager role for those teams. The number of Manager accounts available is determined by your license tier.

The Kubios HRV app is a mobile application that measures your heart rate variability (HRV) to provide insights into your daily readiness, stress levels, and recovery. It uses scientifically validated algorithms, trusted by researchers and professionals worldwide. It’s designed for:

• Individuals: The Readiness Measurement Mode can be used by anyone interested in monitoring their wellbeing, stress, recovery, and cardiovascular health.
• Athletes & Sports Enthusiasts: Can use the Readiness Measurement Mode to optimize training and monitor physiological recovery.
• Researchers, Health & Wellbeing Professionals, and Sport Scientists: For conducting various types of HRV recordings using the Custom Measurement Mode (which may require a separate Kubios HRV software license for full data storage and analysis features).

To use the Kubios HRV app, you will need:

• An iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
• A compatible Bluetooth heart rate sensor that provides accurate beat-to-beat (RR interval or IBI) data. Chest strap monitors like the Polar H10 are highly recommended for accuracy.
• To create a Kubios user account.
• To store and analyze Custom Measurement mode data you need a Kubios HRV Scientific software license that supports this measurement mode.

To ensure reliable readiness data, consistency is key. We recommend the following steps:

1. Wear your Bluetooth heart rate sensor and connect it to the app.
2. Use a consistent position (reclined or semi-reclined) at a regular time, preferably in the morning upon waking before consuming caffeine or engaging in strenuous activity.
3. Start the measurement. The measurement includes up to 60-seconds relaxation period.
4. During the measurement, relax and breathe naturally (avoid talking). The app will notify you when the measurement is done.
5. After the measurement, verify that the quality is good. If not, consider repeating the measurement (you may need to moisten the electrodes first).

The Kubios HRV app’s Custom Measurement mode offers researchers and professionals diverse HRV measurement tools. A Kubios HRV Scientific license (or compatible) is required for full functionality, including data storage and analysis; in demo mode (no license), measurements can be trialed, but data is not stored.

This mode leverages the Polar SDK for optimal performance with Polar H10 and Verity Sense sensors. Key features include:

• Measurement Subjects: Profiles for managing data from multiple participants.
• Online/Offline Recording: Online streaming (all compatible sensors); offline recording (sensor-stored data) with Polar H10/Verity Sense.
• Raw Data Storage: Record raw RR intervals (IBI), plus ECG, PPG, and acceleration data with specific Polar sensors.
• Event Markers: Add event markers with text labels during online recordings.

The Kubios HRV app supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) heart rate sensors that provide beat-to-beat RR interval data. While our Supported Devices page lists many compatible sensors, other BLE sensors providing RR intervals may also work. For an optimal experience, we recommend Polar H10 or Polar Verity Sense sensors, thanks to our Polar SDK integration.

For the highest HRV accuracy, ECG-based chest straps like the Polar H10 are preferred. Optical sensors (measuring IBI from the arm/finger), while convenient, are generally less accurate; their typical ±5 ms beat detection inaccuracy can lead to errors up to ±10% in HRV parameters.

Please note: ANT+ sensors are not supported. Additionally, the Apple Watch is not supported because it does not transmit real-time RR interval data to third-party applications.

The Kubios HRV app utilizes Polar SDK to enable advanced data streaming from Polar H10 and Polar Verity Sense sensors. Supported data streams include beat-to-beat RR intervals (RR), pulse-to-pulse intervals (PPI), electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and acceleration (ACC) data. Below are key technical specifications for using these sensors with the Kubios HRV app:

Polar H10 specifications

• Battery type: CR 2025 (non-rechargeable)
• Battery lifetime: ~400 hours
• Online recording: RR, ECG (130 Hz), and Acceleration (50 Hz)
• Offline recording: RR data only, max 95,000 RR intervals (up to ~20 hours of normal daily living)

Polar Verity Sense specifications

• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Battery lifetime: ~20 hours
• Online recording: PPI, PPG (55 Hz), and Acceleration (52 Hz)
• Offline recording: PPI (up to ~20 hours) or PPG (up to 3-6 hours recommended)

If you are not able to connect your Bluetooth HR sensor with the Kubios HRV app, please try the following steps:

• If you are using a chest strap HR sensor, make sure to wear the strap around your chest to turn the sensor on. Moisten the electrodes if necessary.
• Make sure that the HR sensor is not connected to any other device or app. The sensor can be paired with several devices or apps at the same time, but typically the sensor can communicate only with one device or app at a time. 
• Unpair the HR sensor from your phone’s Bluetooth devices by going to Bluetooth connectivity, select your HR sensor (under paired devices) and choose Unpair. Open Kubios HRV app and try connecting to the sensor again.
• Clear Bluetooth cache. Go to Settings, Apps, select Bluetooth (you may need to choose Show System Processes), Storage and Clear cache. 

NOTE:  Kubios HRV app supports only Bluetooth (BLE) HR sensors, which measure and transmit beat-to-beat RR intervals to your phone. For example Apple watch and ANT+ sensors are not supported.

The custom measurement mode in the Kubios HRV app runs in demo mode by default, which means that you can observe the data coming from your sensor but the data is not stored. In order to make custom measurements and store your measurement data in Kubios Cloud, you need a Kubios software license that supports this.

Kubios HRV mobile app measurements are supported in:

• Kubios HRV Scientific (www.kubios.com/hrv-scientific), a full featured HRV analysis software for scientific research and professional use. As a licensed user, you can use the custom measurement mode (1 active custom measurement session at a time) and sync your Kubios HRV app measurements into your computer using the Kubios Cloud Sync tool available in Kubios HRV Scientific.