Question | |
ActiGraph memory size and data storage |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
ActiGraph memory size and data storage
All ActiGraphs have a non-volatale (NVRAM) on flash based memory. Collected data are stored at all times, execpt for unexpected battery failure. The graphs below show for every device what the total collecting time (in days) is:
storage capacity GT3X+ (16MB) storage capacity ActiSleep Monitor (ASM) (4MB) Storage capacity ActiTrainer (2-assig, 1MB) |
ActiLife 'Quote Romover' tool. |
ActiLife 'Quote Romover' tool.
http://support.theactigraph.com/faq/actilife-quote-remover-tool |
ActiLife 6.8.0 and newer - Cut points calculation change |
ActiLife 6
|
ActiLife 6.8.0 and newer - Cut points calculation change
What's different?
After speaking with several industry leaders, we determined that the cut points themselves were not designed to be compared to scaled, sub-60s epoch count levels. Documentation outlined in the help article "What's the difference among the Cut Points available in ActiLife?" further validates this decision. All of the cut points supported in ActiLife were designed to be used only with 60s files. |
ActiLife and DPI Settings |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
ActiLife and DPI Settings
If the data appears shifted or jumbled up within ActiLife, changing the DPI Settings to 96 DPI or normal fonts will correct the problem you are experiencing.
To change the setting within Windows XP:
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ActiLife full vs. lite |
ActiLife 6
|
ActiLife full vs. lite
There are two flavours from the ActiLife software, the full and the lite. A full version means that you can do everything with the software that's possible like initialization, import patient information, import data from device to software and analyzing data. The lite version looks exactly the same, but the big difference is that with this version it's only possible to export data and initialize the device again. This saves time and is expecially helpfull in big research projects with more then one researcher involved. Analyzing is not possible with the lite version, the full version has to be used in that case! |
Setting Up ActiLife For Use With A Proxy Server |
ActiLife 6
|
Setting Up ActiLife For Use With A Proxy Server
As a measure of security and controlling what external resources can be accessed from an Organizations network, some IT Departments may have implemented Proxy Servers. These Servers direct all internet/network traffic through a specific computer which determines, based on the configuration set up by the Administrators, whether that website is accessible to a machine located on that network. This is done to prevent users from accessing websites that could introduce security concerns like viruses or malware, or that are simply deemed inappropriate for use on that network (i.e. Facebook, Netflix, Youtube, game-related sites, etc). |
ActiSleep COM Port Requirements |
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
ActiSleep COM Port Requirements
The ActiSleep software and drivers requires that COM ports 1 thru 16 are available during use. You can checkto see if the device connected to your computer is using the correct COM port and even change it if it isn't. |
What's the difference among the Cut Points available in ActiLife? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
What's the difference among the Cut Points available in ActiLife?
As of ActiLife version 6.1.x, there are nine sets of Cut Points available to users. These cut points were derived as part of past published research aimed at quantifying activity levels using ActiGraph products. Definitions of the cut point levels and references to the corresponding published research are given below. Note that the published research is only referenced by its abstract; full publications are available for purchase from the corresponding journal. Note that all cut point sets are scaled to 60s epochs. Even if the cut point set was originally defined for sub-60s epoch files, the cut points were scaled in ActiLife in CPM; Counts Per Minute.
Freedson Adult 1998:
Freedson Adult VM3 2011
Teuth Childrens only 2004
Mattocks Children 2005
Evenson Children 2008
Pate Preschool 2006
Trost Toddler 2011
Troiano 2008
|
Current Firmware Versions |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Current Firmware Versions
You can find the current firmware versions by going to the website names below and choosing for the right device. |
Atomic Clock vs Local Computer Time Base |
ActiLife 6
|
Atomic Clock vs Local Computer Time Base
Time Base DefinedDuring initialization, devices are given a "Start Time". That is, the time at which the device should start collecting data. The Start Time concept requires that the device itself be given a time base. When a device is initialized, ActiLife sends the current time to the device to serve as this time base. The device contains a very accurate crystal oscillator which begins incrementing the time base. This acts as the device's on-board clock until the device is reinitialized. Although there is some clock drift expected, it is minimal due to the high accuracy of the on-board crystal oscillator. Atomic vs LocalBeginning with ActiLife 6.5.0, the initialization screen offers users the ability to select between a time base from the local computer or an atomic clock. The choice can be toggled by clicking on the hyperlink to the right of the "Device Time" option as shown below: When local time is selected, the devices will be programmed with the computers local time as the time base. When the atomic time is selected, ActiLife attempts to capture the time base from the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) time servers list located at http://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi. ActiLife first attempts to make connection with one of five random NIST servers from the list given in the hyperlink. If a time is available, the computer's local time-zone offset setting is used to set the correct hour. The minutes and seconds settings captured directly from the NIST server are used to complete the time base. If none of the five random servers are available, the time base will default to the local time. |
Does Epoch Length Affect Data Scoring Results? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Does Epoch Length Affect Data Scoring Results?
We are often asked if the Epoch Length researchers use will affect the results they get from the various analysis calculations in ActiLife. The answer is yes; all calculations for Adults in ActiLife are based on 60 second Epochs; all calculations for children are based on 15 second Epochs. All calculations scale linearly up or down from these values for other Epoch lengths. The generally accepted industry standard age ranges for classifying someone as adult or as a child are as follows:
To illustrate the difference that smaller Epochs can produce when scoring your data, we will compare two sample datasets; one that uses 10 second Epochs and one that uses 60 second Epochs (both samples are from the same dataset, just integrated at two different Epoch lengths).Smaller Epochs will produce a higher resolution dataset as there is more activity data for any given length of time (e.g. 5 minutes of 1 second Epoch data will yield 300 datapoints whereas 5 minutes of 60 second Epoch data will only produce 5). While you will get better resolution, the trade off in smaller Epochs is file size; smaller Epochs will create significantly larger files than larger ones.
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The left side is 10 second epochs and the right side is 60 second epochs of the same data. For this example, we used the Freedson Combination (1998) EE formula and the Freedson Adult (1998) Cut Point classification (you can read more about the various algorithms available in ActiLife by going here). As you can see, for the cut point classification in 10 second epochs, there are 30 seconds worth of data in Vigorous activity levels and 30 seconds worth of Sedentary activity. In the 60 second epochs, there are 2 minutes worth of moderate activity. When it comes to kCals, for epochs less than 60 second seconds, we first scale the counts up to 60 seconds and then apply the Energy Expenditure (EE) formula. We then scale the result value back to the original Epoch value. As you can see, there is a significant difference in the resultant kCals. For this example, we used 100 kg as the mass for the EE algorithm. |
DAT file recovery tutorial |
DAT file recovery tutorial
This tool will help with fixing DAT files which were downloaded/converted while using ActiLife 5.5.0. This tutorial is only for these files! In later versions the problems were solved.
|
Collecting data with the ANT+ wireless heart strap |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Collecting data with the ANT+ wireless heart strap
What is it?
How do I use it?
|
What does a continuous burning LED mean while it is not plugged in? |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
What does a continuous burning LED mean while it is not plugged in?
When the LED is continuously lighted up whil unplugged, there is a possiblity that the device has a serious intern error. It is possible that the device cannot be initialized when plugged into the computer. The problem can be solved:
** This process can take several hours, depending of the battery status. With the LED on, the battery will be empty sonner, but it will still take one or several days. |
Error When Upgrading ActiLife |
ActiLife 6
|
Error When Upgrading ActiLife
In some cases, users may experience an error when updating to the latest release of ActiLife. The likely cause of this is a corrupt or malformed Preferences file that ActiLife is unable to import into the new version. You may see an error similar to the following screenshot: To resolve this error, you will need to delete all previous preferences files and reinstall ActiLife. We will step through this procedure below. After you have deleted these folders, reinstall ActiLife according to the procedure outlined in the FAQ: "Installing/Reinstalling ActiLife 5.x/6.x" |
GT3X+ / ActiSleep+ Sample Data |
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
GT3X+
|
GT3X+ / ActiSleep+ Sample Data
At the request of our customers, ActiGraph has compiled a number of sample Raw Data Files for use with ActiLife. These files will allow users to create AGD files of any Epoch length and familiarize themselves with the various analysis tools in ActiLife. To keep these to a reasonable download size, these Raw Data Files have been split into four files:
Use of the GT3X+ datasets will allow access to all analysis tools available to GT3X+ accelerometers. Using the ActiSleep+ datasets will provide access to the additional tools only available for the ActiSleep+ devices (e.g. AutoSleep Scoring, Clinical Reports, Periodic Limb Movement (PLM), etc). This is actual activity data collected by an ActiGraph employee wearing ActiGraph activity monitors. |
GT3X+ Data Recovery Wizard Tutorial |
GT3X+ Data Recovery Wizard Tutorial
http://support.theactigraph.com/faq/gt3x-data-recovery-wizard-tutorial |
Unable to Initialize wGT3X+ and Newer Revision GT3X+ Devices With Firmware 1.0.0 |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Unable to Initialize wGT3X+ and Newer Revision GT3X+ Devices With Firmware 1.0.0
With the release of ActiLife 6.5.x, the firmware file format was changed to allow for additional functionality with the latest revisions of GT3X+, ActiSleep+, wGT3X+, and wActiSleep+ devices. However, because of this change, ActiLife can no longer automatically update from much earlier revisions of firmware. You are also not able to manually update from these versions to the latest release. ActiLife automatically tries to update the firmware to newer version when you initialize the device, and because this older firmware is unable to be automatically updated, ActiLife will get caught in an Update Loop and never complete the initialization.
Firmware:FAQ_firmware 01.02.07 |
Collecting Heart Rate Data (Beats per Minute and R-to-R Intervals) |
ActiLife 6 ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Collecting Heart Rate Data (Beats per Minute and R-to-R Intervals)
ActiLife 6.5 and later combined with wGT3X+ devices running firmware 3.0 or newer are capable of providing measurements of Heart Rate R-to-R intervals.
4. Wear the wGT3X+ and the heart strap for the desired amount of time. Downloading Activity and Heart Rate Data
Extracting R-to-R Heart Rate Data
Understanding the R-to-R Heart Rate Data
To view the Timestamp at millisecond resolution in MS Excel, right-click on the Timestamp column and choose "Format Cells..". Select the "Number" tab and choose the "Custom" option. Set the format to m/d/yyyy h:mm:s.000 and click "OK." This will set the Timestamp column to display the timestamp down to the millisecond resolution.
A sample file containing R-to-R data can be downloaded here.
How Heart Rate Data is Captured The ANT+ heart strap polls the wearer's heart at a rate of approximately 4Hz. Each sample is transmitted to the wGT3X+ and is stored upon receipt.
|
How Do I Interpret the Periodic Leg Movement Output? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
How Do I Interpret the Periodic Leg Movement Output?
After scoring files for Periodic Leg Movement (see How Do I Use the Periodic Leg Movement (PLM) tool?), click on the different sleep periods to view the graph and PLM stats for each sleep period.
Graphs Clicking on a sleep period will load a PLM score graph. The green background represents the total time in bed (sleep period) as logged by the user. The graph will automatically show data 1 hour before the time in bed and 1 hour after the time out of bed. The blue horizontal line represents the onset threshold and the red horizontal line represents the decay threshold. The bar graph below the main activity graph gives users a quick reference to PLM bouts (bouts of activity that meet the qualifications of Periodic Leg Movement). Both graphs can be zoomed in or out simultaneously by dragging the mouse over the area of interest. To zoom back out, click the small circle in the lower left-hand corner of the graph until the desired zoom level is achieved. Stats
For more information regarding the source of our PLM calculations, see "How were the Periodic Leg Movement algorithms derived?" |
How do I export my scored or validated data? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
How do I export my scored or validated data?
Two new advanced data exporting options were introduced in ActiLife 6.5.0 Exporting Only Valid Wear Time Clicking the "Export" button will reveal two options for exporting data from the Wear Time Validation Detail: "Day and Wear Information" and "All Wear Time Epochs" Exporting Day and Wear Information
Exporting Calculated Kcals and MET Rates per Epoch Click "Export All Epochs" to generate a *.csv containing the calculated kcals and MET rate for all epochs for that particular dataset. |
How do I create my own custom sleep score algorithm using the algorithm builder? |
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
How do I create my own custom sleep score algorithm using the algorithm builder?
The Custom Sleep Scoring algorithm builder allows users to create their own custom sleep scoring algorithm based on the techniques used to create the Sadeh and Cole-Kripke algorithms. The custom sleep scoring algorithm builder utilize a sliding window technique to flag epochs as "Sleep" or "Wake". The results will be used to create sleep efficiency scores and other details about sleep. Read more about the sleep scoring tool in the ActiLife 6 Users Manual. |
How can I see the difference between a 2012 GT3X+ and a wGT3X+ (wireless) |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
How can I see the difference between a 2012 GT3X+ and a wGT3X+ (wireless)
The serial numers of the GT3X+ (nonwireless) starts with CLE1. The serial number for the wGT3X+ (wireless) starts with CLE2. |
How do I exclude my sleep times from Wear Time Validation? |
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
How do I exclude my sleep times from Wear Time Validation?
The Wear Time Validation (WTV) tool excludes non-wear periods from datasets for further analysis. Non-wear periods are characterized as periods of complete inactivity. While the non-wear detection algorithm can be customized in the WTV tool, occasionally sleep periods may be inadvertently classified as non-wear periods because of their low level of activity.
This will create and score the time period for sleep efficiency and will store those times in the *.agd file. Repeat this process for all bed times until all of the TIB/TOBs have been recorded. Typing in Bed Times Automatically Estimating Bed Times
|
How can I upgrade my virtual trainer account? |
ActiSync ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor
|
How can I upgrade my virtual trainer account?
To upgrade your virtual trainer account from 'Free' to 'Pro', you can follow this instructions: |
How can I delete my virtual trainer account? |
ActiSync ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor
|
How can I delete my virtual trainer account?
To delete your account online, you can follow the next steps: |
How to convert AGD or GT3X+ files to other formats |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
How to convert AGD or GT3X+ files to other formats
You can convert AGD and GT3X+ files to one or more of the following: DAT, CSV and AGD. ActiLife alsohas other features for converting these files to specialized CSV file or other AGD files. |
How Do I Use the Periodic Leg Movement (PLM) tool? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
How Do I Use the Periodic Leg Movement (PLM) tool?
The Periodic Leg Movement (PLM) tool allows users to detect and score periodic leg movements in patients with PLM disorder or restless leg syndrome. Note: The PLM tool is only compatible with data collected from the legacy ActiSleep or the new ActiSleep+ monitor devices.
Initializing Devices To use the tool, initialize an ActiSleep monitor through the devices tab to start collecting data at the desired time. (Info about ActiSleep battery life) ActiSleep+ devices only have one option for initialization (30Hz). Legacy ActiSleep devices should be initialized to collect data at 1s epochs. During initialization, ActiLife gives users the option to print a sleep diary. The sleep diary can be used by patients who choose to wear the devices for several nights in their own homes or for doctors who are logging multiple patients' sleep behaviors. Patients should be instructed to use the sleep diary to keep track of the time in bed (TIB) and time out of bed (TOB) for purposes of analysis. Attach the ActiSleep monitor to the top interior of the patient’s left and right feet around the ball of the foot as shown in the image below. This can be accomplished with bandage wrapping or with the straps provided with the ActiSleep monitoring package. Patients should wear the device during the entire duration of their total time in bed. ![]() Downloading Devices
After patients have worn the devices for the desired number of sleep periods, collect the devices and download them using the Devices tab. Legacy ActiSleep monitors will produce an *.agd file on download. This file can be used for scoring PLM in the PLM tab. ActiSleep+ devices will create a *.gt3x file on download. This file contains the raw acceleration data collected by the devices and needs to be post-processed (i.e., converted to *.agd format) prior to PLM scoring. This can be accomplished by choosing “Create AGD File” from the download dialog as shown in the figure below. Select 1s epoch and 3 axes. The other options are optional, but “Low Frequency Extension” should not be selected.
![]() After download, an AGD file will be created in the download folder which is also selected at the time of download.
Scoring the PLM Data To score periodic leg movements, open the PLM tab and select the left and right leg *.agd files. Click the “Add Sleep Periods” button and select the entry method.
Select which axis or axes to use to score the PLM data. The Vector Magnitude option combines all three axes using the vector magnitude formula SQRT( (Axis 1^2) + (Axis 2)^2 + (Axis 3)^2).
Select the thresholds for detecting legitimate “movement”. Note: these thresholds only set the level at which PLM activity occurs. ActiLife’s built-in algorithm determines whether or not the movement qualifies as PLM.
See "What is a Count?" for more info.
Selecting the different sleep periods in on the left-hand side will populate the graphs and results for that corresponding period for both left and right side files. See “How Do I Interpret the PLM Output?” for further information. |
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How Does The ActiGraph Device Determine Inclination? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
|
How Does The ActiGraph Device Determine Inclination?
With the introduction of 3-axis accelerometers, it is now possible to expand beyond gross measurement of physical activity and classify activity types. The ActiGraph GT3X Triaxial Activity Monitor takes a first step in this direction with an Inclinometer feature that indicates whether a subject is standing, sitting or lying down when the device is worn at the hip as well as indicating that a device is not being worn at all. This feature provides an additional data point for interpretation of activity levels by researchers and health professionals and is also included in the ActiSleep and 3-axis ActiTrainer Research Model devices. Optimal angle thresholds are required to correctly estimate the posture for the widest range of users. The acquisition of this data involved collecting 30 Hz raw accelerometer data using a GT3X Activity Monitor from numerous subject's for analysis. Each subject was instructed to stand, sit and lie down for 5 minute periods for a total of 15 minutes worth of data. Each 30 Hz sample was then categorized and a computer script was used to determine the optimal θy value for standing, sitting and lying by minimizing the error between the known inclination and the estimate. Raw data was collected using several GT3X devices with and without belt clips and pouches with belt loops and the same script was used to determine the optimal θz value. |
Installing/Reinstalling ActiLife 5.x/6.x |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Installing/Reinstalling ActiLife 5.x/6.x
In order to install ActiLife properly, you must have administrative rights on the computer on which you wish to install ActiLife and due to a recent Microsoft update, you may have to allow the installer to have full permissions to install all required components. First, please make sure you have downloaded the latest installation executable for ActiLife 5.x/6.x. You can get these from the following location: Click on the Unblock button and then click Apply and then Ok. If you do not see this button, the security update in question has not been installed and you may proceed with the next step of the installation. After the installer has completed, uncheck the box that says "Run ActiLife" and click Finish. Restart your computer to ensure that any required services start correctly. Once Windows has booted back up to the Desktop, you should be able to open and use ActiLife. If this is a new installation of ActiLife, you will be prompted to enter your Product Key when you open it for the first time. |
How can I tell if my device's battery is fully charged? |
How can I tell if my device's battery is fully charged?
All of ActiGraph's devices** will indicate that they are fully charged (the battery is at 100%) by displaying asolid LED (light) while attached to either a computer's USB port or powered USB hub. This light could be eitherwhite or green, depending of the device. |
How do the Date/Time Filters work? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
How do the Date/Time Filters work?
Users can set date and time filters within the Data Scoring tool. These filters allow users to perform their analysis on specific dates and/or periods of time. Date and time filters are stackable, meaning that users can create multiple overlapping filters (e.g., Weekends and Mondays). To create a new filters, click the "+" icon in the Date and Time Filters section of the Data Scoring tab as shown below. Create a filter using the date and time filter dialog.
Click Save.
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How does bout detection work and where did we get our defaults? |
ActiLife 6
|
How does bout detection work and where did we get our defaults?
Functionality
The Bout Detection tool can be used to identify multiple types of "activity bouts." Using this feature, ActiLife can detect the number of occurrences of a bout (or multiple bouts), the average length of the bout(s), the total time spent in the bouts, and the total count level of the bouts. Once the calculation is complete, a breakdown of each bout can be reviewed. A bout of activity can be defined using the following parameters:
Defaults Bout detection defaults were derived from two different sources. The United States Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults obtain 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activity per week (reference). Recommendations go on to state that these requirements can be obtained in 10 minute intervals (hence the 10 minute default for bouts). The Freedson Adult (1998) cut points indicate that moderate activity starts at 1952 counts per minute (vertical axis counts when worn on the waist). Since these cut points have been used extensively in bout detection research (e.g., Masse, et., al., Accelerometer Data Reduction: A Comparison of Four Reduction Algorithms on Select Outcome Variables [2005]), these cut points were selected as the default minimum Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) bout level cutoff for the default bout set. The maximum level of 50,000 is arbitrary as a user should never experience a per-minute count level greater than this value. The default "Drop Time" of 2 minutes was also derived from several research project which allowed for a 2 minute "interruption" in bout activity. An example of this can be found in the Accelerometer Data Reduction: A Comparison of Four Reduction Algorithms on Select Outcome Variables referenced above. |
How does the GPS correlator work? |
ActiLife 6 ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
How does the GPS correlator work?
The GPS tab in ActiLife 6.3.0 and later gives the user the option to correlate their epoch level actigraphy data with time-stamped GPS data.
ActiLife's correlator can generate the following output types:
In addition, the source GPS data will be saved in the actigraphy data file (*.agd). This eliminates the need to re-import the GPS data for future re-calculations. The correlation process does not affect the actigraphy data in any way.
A word about outputs
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How does sedentaire analysis work? |
ActiLife 6
|
How does sedentaire analysis work?
Sedentary Analysis Description
An example Summary Screen is shown below:
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A sample "Details" view is shown below:
Example: Consider a 60s epoch file. If a 10 minute minimum is set, a drop time of 2 minutes is entered, and a maximum count level is 99, the following sequence would be considered a sedentary bout:
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How are epoch time stamps interpreted? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
How are epoch time stamps interpreted?
Epoch time episodes refer to the data within the epoch according the time stamps below. You'll see an example where data in 15 seconds epochs are collected, started at 9:00:00
Data from 9:00:00 – 9:00:14 will be marked as 9:00:00 |
How is the data stored on the ActiGraph device? |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
How is the data stored on the ActiGraph device?
Data is stored on ActiGraph products in one of two ways: either post-filtered and accumulated or raw. |
Idle Sleep Mode Explained |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Idle Sleep Mode Explained
ActiGraph GT3X+, ActiSleep+, wGT3X+, and wActiSleep+ devices are designed to preserve battery life when the device is idle (not experiencing movement). This feature, often referred to as "Idle Sleep Mode" can be enabled or disable upon initialization. Below is a description of the device's behavior with Idle Sleep Mode enabled and disabled. |
ActiLife 5
|
****Please note that this only applies to version of ActiLife prior to ActiLife5.**** "Address Pointer = 0"means that there is no data on the device. In other words, the device was: |
I am using ActiLife software. Can I .dat files uploaden in ActiSleep? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
|
I am using ActiLife software. Can I .dat files uploaden in ActiSleep?
Yes, this is possible. Data can be uploaded to an ActiSleep account in .dat format by using 'ActiSleep Client Application' (http://support.theactigraph.com/product/ActiSleep-software). Important is that this data will override all data on that ActiSleep account in .dat format. |
Installing Microsoft's DOT Net Framework |
ActiLife 6
|
Installing Microsoft's DOT Net Framework
ActiLife requires that the Microsoft DOT Net framework, v3.5, SP1 be installed on the computer where you will be installing ActiLife. This is a free download and should be included in Windows Vista/7 but may not be installed on Windows XP. You can find this at the following location: You may also want to go ahead and install the DOT Net 4.0 and 4.5 framework as well; these can all be installed side by side on the same computer. You can find these at the following locations: |
Is there any limitation on the amount of data that I can save on my actisleep account? |
ActiSleep Software
|
Is there any limitation on the amount of data that I can save on my actisleep account?
The seize of the bought account will define the amount of patients/subjects you can save at your account. You can save unlimited information within the account under each patient/subject. |
Is there any loss of data when the battery depletes? |
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Is there any loss of data when the battery depletes?
In the event that any device depletes its battery below the standard operating charge (this varies from device todevice), the device will safely store all collected information and shutdown. You can still safely download thedata from the device if this happens. Be sure to fully charge your device before using it again! |
Is it possible to enter the software from different computers? |
ActiSleep Software
|
Is it possible to enter the software from different computers?
Yes, everybody who owns a user name and password for the ActiSleep account can log in and take a look at the data. To be able to upload the data from different computers, the ActiSleep software needs to be installed on all computers. |
Can I install ActiLife on a MAC pc? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Can I install ActiLife on a MAC pc?
No, at the moment is software from ActiGraph incompatible with Macintosh computer systems. ActiGraph is currently developping the possibility to connect both. Of course we will keep you informed through the website about these developments. |
Can I use ActiLife 5/6 and older software versions together on 1 computer? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Can I use ActiLife 5/6 and older software versions together on 1 computer?
Yet, it is possible to use ActiLife 5 or 6 and older ActiLife versions on one computer. However, new devices and older software versions cannot communicate. The following Macros and functions are usable in this case:
Note: Download files from ActiLife 5 are no longer a *dat file format. You need to use ActiLife 5 to transform the downloaded file in the right format. |
Moving ActiLife to Another Computer |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Moving ActiLife to Another Computer
There are two editions of ActiLife; a Full Edition and a Lite Edition; Using the Full Product Key will enable all of the data analysis features of the software and can be activated on one (1) computer at a time (this number increases to 5 for Enterprise License users). If the Lite Product Key is used, only the ability to download or initialize devices will be enabled. The Lite Product Key may be used on up to 5 additional computers (15 computers for Enterprise License users). This may be used in addition to the one copy of the Full License described above. This is useful for the purposes of centrally processing the collected data using the Full Edition while the Lite Edition can be used to collect data in the field which can then be sent to the Full user for analysis. Both editions cannot exist on the same computer. |
Can I export data from ActiSleep software? |
ActiSleep Software
|
Can I export data from ActiSleep software?
Data collected by ActiSleep devices are saved on ActiGraphs server and can be exported to another computer. It is also possible to make customize reports and attach these to the patient. Step 1. Login at http://research.artitrainer.com Step 4. Choose 'dat' or 'csv' to download data to your own computer |
Can I manually change the seize of my ActiSleep account? |
ActiSleep Software
|
Can I manually change the seize of my ActiSleep account?
If there's bought an account, it is not possible to modify this. If there's a bigger account needed, contact us. We can change the size of your account according to your recuirements. |
Moving ActiLife to another computer. |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Moving ActiLife to another computer.
There are two editions of ActiLife; a Full Edition and a Lite Edition; Using the Full Product Key will enable all of the data analysis features of the software and can be activated on one (1) computer at a time (this number increases to 5 for Enterprise License users). If the Lite Product Key is used, only the ability to download or initialize devices will be enabled. The Lite Product Key may be used on up to 5 additional computers (15 computers for Enterprise License users). This may be used in addition to the one copy of the Full License described above. This is useful for the purposes of centrally processing the collected data using the Full Edition while the Lite Edition can be used to collect data in the field which can then be sent to the Full user for analysis. Both editions cannot exist on the same computer. |
Can I Determine the Actual Angle of Inclination from My Data? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
|
Can I Determine the Actual Angle of Inclination from My Data?
We sometimes get inquires about determining the actual angle of inclination that our devices measure. Some researchers may need more information than just the category of inclination (i.e. sitting, standing, lying, or off). While this information is not available in ActiLife itself, you can determine this from the raw data by using some trigonometric calculations as explained below. ActiLife does not provide this information as ActiLife currently only analyzes Epoch Data. |
Battery Life vs Memory Recording Limits for GT3X+ series |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Battery Life vs Memory Recording Limits for GT3X+ series
Battery Life and Memory Limits vs Sample Frequency |
Lithium Ion Battery Life and Conditioning |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Lithium Ion Battery Life and Conditioning
There are a couple of things that need to be done to keep Li-Ion batteries in good condition and get the maximum life out of the battery. Units should never be left in a fully discharged state any longer than necessary as this could lead to reduced life, and could cause permanent failure. It is better for the batteries to be fully charged than it is for them to be left at a low voltage. In order to mitigate this, we recommend that units be charged immediately upon returning from the field. This will serve to minimize the amount of time the battery spends in a very low voltage state. After 300 charge/discharge cycles (charge to 4.2V then discharge to 3.0V) the capacity can drop to as low as 80% |
Lux Measurements |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
|
Lux Measurements
Lux, or ambient light, is measured by ActiGraph’s ActiSleep, ActiSleep+, ActiTrainer, GT3X+, and our new wireless wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ devices. Ambient light may affect subject sleeping habits and thus is a useful tool in analyzing circadian rhythms and sleeping patterns. Lux data is stored once per epoch. For GT3X+/ActiSleep+/wGT3X+/wActiSleep+ devices, Lux data is stored once per second. When converting a GT3X+ raw file into an accumulated *.agd format with epoch lengths greater than one second, the lux values for that epoch are averaged. An estimate of industry accepted lux values is shown below. The ActiTrainer, GT3X+, and wGT3X+ devices are capped at a maximum value of 2500; the ActiSleep, ActiSleep+, and wActiSleep+ are capped at 6000:
Note that these levels are only estimates and are not meant for exact interpretation of the light detected by the device. Lux values reported by ActiGraph devices are intended as a general guideline for average light intensities. |
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What? 1. the device tab |
ActiLife 6
|
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What?
1. the device tab We will begin with the very first thing you see when you open ActiLife; the Devices Tab. This is where you will perform all interactions with your Devices; Initialization, Downloading, Firmware Updates, etc. You will notice that there are a number of columns that provide information about the device itself; the Serial Number, the Battery Level, Sample Rate of the data being collected, etc. There are also several buttons along the top of the Grid that allow you to perform actions on the devices that are connected.
For the purposes of this tutorial, we will not go into detail explanations of the Wireless Functionality. That will be covered in another tutorial that will be posted at a later time. |
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What? 2. The Wear-Time Validation Tab |
ActiLife 6
|
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What?
2. The Wear-Time Validation Tab The next step after retrieving your data is to begin analyzing it. The first step in this process is to validate the data for Wear and Non Wear-time. Wear-Time Validation (also known as WTV) is the method by which ActiLife flags Epoch data as Wear-time (i.e. yes, the device was being worn and the subject was doing stuff) or Non-Wear time (i.e. no, the device was not being worn or the subject was not doing anything). This is achieved by applying an internally developed algorithm along with other customizable criteria to the dataset. We will not go into detail about what each of these criteria are here but you can find out more about them by viewing the FAQ articles posted here. On the left side of this tab, you will see the various criteria that you can adjust for your specific study (in most instances the defaults are fine). The buttons along the top of this tab allow you to add or remove Dataset(s). Simply clicking on the Calculate button will analyze the dataset using the selected criteria. You can use the scroll bar at the bottom of the window to see the results for the entire dataset. If you would like to view the results down to the Epoch level, click on the details button next to the dataset. |
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What? 3. The data scoring tab |
ActiLife 6
|
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What?
3. The data scoring tab Once you have validated your data, the next step is to actually analyze it. ActiLife's Data Scoring tool has the ability to analyze a dataset for all of the primary criteria relevant to actigraphy; Energy Expenditure, METs, Cut Points, Bouts, Heart Rate, and Sedentary Analysis. You can read more about these various criteria here.
|
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What? 4. The Sleep Analysis Tab |
ActiLife 6
|
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What?
4. The Sleep Analysis Tab The next tab we will explore is the Sleep Analysis Tab. Unlike the WTV and Data Scoring Tabs, you can only use this tool with one dataset at a time. This is simply due to how this data is displayed using graphs as opposed to rows and columns of data. There is simply no practical way to display all of this information for multiple files on the same screen. There are a number of functions here to make note of: the Select Dataset button allows you to load your data into the Sleep Analysis tool. You also have the option of select either a 24 or 48 hour scale for the graph. The AutoScore feature will attempt to automatically detect Sleep Periods. You can also switch between the Cole-Kripke and Sadeh sleep algorithms. More information on these algorithms can be found here. Using ActiSleep/ActiSleep+ devices also allows the ability to create custom sleep algorithms. Whichever view you use, you can see more detailed information about the scored sleep periods by clicking on the "Show Sleep Epochs" button. YOu can also export using the Save Sleep Report button. |
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What? |
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Overview: I Have My Device And ActiLife Is Installed; Now What?
One of the most common questions we often get from our customers is "How do I use my devices and ActiLife?" and "I really have no idea where to even start. Can you please help me?". The purpose of this article is to hopefully provide a step-by-step guide to get the most from our state of the art Activity Monitors and the powerful suite of Data Scoring and Analysis tools found in ActiLife. For the purpose of this tutorial, I will be using ActiLife 6.4.2 installed on 64-bit Windows 7 Professional and one of our new ANT+ Enabled wireless devices, the wActiSleep+. While some of the options available to you may differ depending on the device you are using and the version of ActiLife you have installed, it should all be very similar.
We will go into details on all of these steps later in this FAQ. While you may not be responsible for all of these steps in your research (i.e. you may only be downloading devices or scoring data collected from other researchers), understanding the work flow is beneficial because you will understand how each step is an important part of the process. At the end of this overview of ActiLife, we will take a step by step walk through of the actual workflow process from start to finish using Epoch data created from sample activity data so that you will have a solid understanding of this Work Flow Process. First, it might be helpful to go over the various tabs in ActiLife and briefly explain how you will use the different areas regardless of whether you are doing everything yourself or if you are only responsible for one particular aspect. |
Preventive inspection, maintenance and cleaning devices |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Preventive inspection, maintenance and cleaning devices
All ActiGraph devices are manufactured in a way that preventive maintenance (calibration) isn't necessary. To be sure that the devices function properly and data are stored correctly, we recommend visual inspection of the devices. This is especially true for devices which are waterproof; the o-valve/cartridge should be checked to be sure there are no cracks.
|
ActiGraph Data Conversion Process |
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
ActiGraph Data Conversion Process
This article addresses the process in which ActiGraph devices (GT3X+ and later) capture raw data and convert it to epoch data. Information beyond what is provided in this paper will not be disclosed to non ActiGraph employees as it has been deemed proprietary/company confidential. As such, release of this information could prove detrimental to ActiGraph’s business interests. |
Raw Data Timestamps Explained |
ActiLife 6
|
Raw Data Timestamps Explained
When exporting raw *.gt3x files to *.csv (by using the Raw to Raw function from the Import/Export Menu), users have the option to "Include Timestamps". This option places a new column in the resultant *.csv output that includes the full date and time stamp, to the millisecond.
You can also set this as the default behavior by going to Tools, then Options, and clicking on the Downloads Tab:
------------ Data File Created By ActiGraph GT3X+ ActiLife v6.3.0 Firmware v2.0.0 date format M/d/yyyy at 30 Hz Filter Normal -----------
Serial Number: MRA1CXXXXXXXX
Start Time 10:12:00
Start Date 6/9/2011
Epoch Period (hh:mm:ss) 00:00:00
Download Time 08:22:30
Download Date 6/10/2011
Current Memory Address: 0
Current Battery Voltage: 4.26 Mode = 12
--------------------------------------------------
06/09/2011 10:12:00.000,0.452,0.85,-0.22
06/09/2011 10:12:00.034,0.46,0.85,-0.22
06/09/2011 10:12:00.067,0.457,0.85,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:00.100,0.46,0.859,-0.208
06/09/2011 10:12:00.134,0.46,0.848,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:00.167,0.463,0.845,-0.208
06/09/2011 10:12:00.200,0.46,0.85,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.234,0.46,0.845,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.267,0.463,0.848,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:00.300,0.46,0.848,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.334,0.449,0.859,-0.208
06/09/2011 10:12:00.367,0.449,0.856,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.400,0.449,0.862,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.434,0.452,0.856,-0.22
06/09/2011 10:12:00.467,0.457,0.85,-0.223
06/09/2011 10:12:00.500,0.457,0.848,-0.223
06/09/2011 10:12:00.534,0.457,0.848,-0.223
06/09/2011 10:12:00.567,0.463,0.845,-0.22
06/09/2011 10:12:00.600,0.46,0.845,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.634,0.463,0.85,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:00.667,0.46,0.85,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:00.700,0.463,0.85,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.734,0.463,0.85,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.767,0.46,0.856,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:00.800,0.46,0.85,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.834,0.457,0.848,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.867,0.46,0.85,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.900,0.46,0.856,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.934,0.46,0.85,-0.217
06/09/2011 10:12:00.967,0.46,0.848,-0.211
06/09/2011 10:12:01.000,0.457,0.856,-0.217
.
.
.
.
06/09/2011 23:26:12.000,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.034,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.067,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.100,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.134,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.167,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.200,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.234,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.267,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.300,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
06/09/2011 23:26:12.334,0.085,-0.493,-0.845
|
Does the ActiGo require an ActiTrainer device? |
ActiSync ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor
|
Does the ActiGo require an ActiTrainer device?
No, the ActiGo is usable separately from the ActiTrainer. For more information go to http://www.actitrainer.com/ |
Where did we get our defaults for the Wear Time Validation algorithms? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where did we get our defaults for the Wear Time Validation algorithms?
The defaults for Floating Window Wear Time Validation were not derived from any specific source. However, the NHANES SAS code and comments (available at http://riskfactor.cancer.gov/tools/nhanes_pam/) from the 2003-2004 NHANES data set were used to derive the adjustable parameters. While the 60s consecutive "zeros" and 2 minute "Spike Tolerance" defaults do match this documentation, by default the "Spike level to stop" option is disabled. In order to match the NHANES SAS code, this option should be enabled and set to 100. If enabled, it is defaulted to 100. |
Where can I download ActiLife 6? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Where can I download ActiLife 6?
The lates release you can always find on http://www.actigraphy.nl/en/downloads Note: software always need to be activated before you can fully use it. Contact us when there are questions left. |
Where can I download the ActiLife manual? |
Where can I download the ActiLife manual?
|
Where can I find the manuals? |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where can I find the manuals?
1. Go to http://www.actigraphy.nl/en/downloads |
Where can I find the manual? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where can I find the manual?
1. Go to http://www.actigraphy.nl/en/downloads |
Where can I find documentation on the Crouter algorithm used in ActiLife? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where can I find documentation on the Crouter algorithm used in ActiLife?
|
Where can I find the serial number of my device(s)? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
ActiSync ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where can I find the serial number of my device(s)?
There are several ways to find the serial number of your device.
In ActiLife: In ActiSync: When you have an ActiTrainer, you need to take the steps below to find your serial number and firmware version: Below the prefixes of the different serial numbers from the different devices are shown: |
Where can I find documentation for the Sadeh and Cole Kripke algorithms? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where can I find documentation for the Sadeh and Cole Kripke algorithms?
There are two built-in algorithms available in the Sleep Scoring tool to users. Both algorithms score individual epochs as either sleep or non-sleep. Based on the results of the algorithm, ActiLife is able to discern Sleep Onset, Latency, Total Sleep Time (TST), Wake after Sleep Onset (WASO), Number of Awakenings, and Efficiency.
The Sadeh algorithm was derived from fundamental research performed by Avi Sadeh, Katherine Sharkey, and Mary Carskadon entitled Activity Based Sleep-Wake Identification: An Empirical Test of Methodological Issues. This paper is available on ActiGraph's research database here. This algorithm is primarily used for younger adolescents as most of the research was performed on children and young adults. The Cole Kripke algorithm was derived from research performed by Roger Cole, and Daniel Kripke in the technical note Automatic Sleep/Wake Identification from Wrist Actigraphy. This paper is also available on ActiGraph's research database here. This algorithm is primarly used to score adult populations. Users wishing to create their own sleep algorithm based on the techniques used in the Sadeh and Cole-Kripke may create their own algorithm using the "Custom Sleep Score Algorithm Builder". |
Where do I wear the ActiGraph device? |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
Where do I wear the ActiGraph device?
All ActiGraph activity monitors are designed to monitor human activity and record energy expenditure (caloriesspent during normal activity, METs, everyday activity, and exercise). Additionally, these devices can alsofunction as a very accurate sleep assessment tool. While collecting day-to-day energy expenditure data, thedevice should be affixed securely to the body’s center-of-mass to ensure the most accurate caloricmeasurements. Wrist worn (nonvalidated) EE for kids is now available for 3-axis actigraphs. When being usedfor sleep assessment, the ActiGraph device may be worn anywhere on the body: wrist, waist (hip), arm, orankle. |
How were the Periodic Leg Movement Algorithms Derived? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
How were the Periodic Leg Movement Algorithms Derived?
The Periodic Leg Movement tool in ActiLife utilizes some algorithms to yield several output parameters related to the detection of Periodic Leg Movement or PLM. The following outline describes those terms and the references we used to develop the algorithm related to those terms.
|
If I bought ActiLife in the past, do I need to pay for ActiLife 6 again? |
ActiLife 5
|
If I bought ActiLife in the past, do I need to pay for ActiLife 6 again?
There is a possibility that you don't have to pay the full price for ActiLife 6. Contact us for more information: support@actigraphy.nl |
What is HREE in ActiLife? |
ActiLife 6
|
What is HREE in ActiLife?
HREE stands for "Heart Rate Energy Expenditure." This feature works with *.agd files that contain heart rate data (beats per minute) collected from a wireless heart rate transmitter. Compatible ActiGraph devices include the ActiTrainer (obsolete), the wGT3X+ and the wActiSleep+ monitors. "w" devices collect heart rate data over a wireless ANT+ channel from the ANT Heart Rate Monitor sold through the ActiGraph online store. Note: The Average Baseline Calories value is not calculated as part of the HREE output but is just an intermediate variable. This value represents the average calorie burn (in kcals) for all epochs with a heart rate value between 41-79 bpm and count levels >100 cpm |
What do the different modi mean? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
What do the different modi mean?
All possible pictograms are shown below. Not all pictograms are available in all devices:
|
What does the blinking LED mean? |
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
What does the blinking LED mean?
The LED (the light on the device) blinks for many reasons. Mainly, due to the device charging while attached to your computer. Recharging is automatic and is accomplished by connecting the device to a standard USB port. Charging time will depend on the battery life, but typically will not exceed four hours for a fully depleted battery. Once the battery is completely charged (max voltage of approximately 4.18V), the LED light will remain illuminated. If the battery voltage drops below 3.1 volts while in use, the Actigraphs will not have sufficient power to collect data and will warn the user through a series of coded flashes (see Table 6 and Table 7). The battery level, reported in volts, can be viewed at any time by starting ActiLife and plugging in the device.
Important: ActiLife 5 software will not allow initialization if the voltage is below 3.82 volts. ![]() Note: The Red LED will ALWAYS flash to indicate LOW BATTERY regardless of whether "Flash Mode" in enabled or disabled. If a "Stop Time" (optional) has been reached, the Green LED will stop flashing all together regardless of its previous state.
![]() Note: The LED will ALWAYS flash to indicate LOW BATTERY regardless of whether "Flash Mode" in enabled or disabled. If a "Stop Time" (optional) has been reached, the Green LED will stop flashing all together regardless of its previous state.
|
What does the 'Worn on Wrist' do in the Data Scoring tab? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
What does the 'Worn on Wrist' do in the Data Scoring tab?
The "Worn on Wrist" option allows users to tell ActiLife that the device was worn on the wrist and that the calculations in Data Scoring should be scaled appropriately. At the time of this writing, there are no validation studies available that illustrate how to properly scale wrist worn devices to yield kCal information. Waist-worn kCal calculations are still the defacto standard and research studies have proven the reliability. That said, ActiGraph applies the following piece-wise scaling to wrist-worn devices based on internal research and development: |
What does 'sleep efficiency' mean? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
What does 'sleep efficiency' mean?
Sleep efficiency or 'sleep efficiency index' is the amount of sleep in the nightly period when the person was really asleep, so the ratio between the total sleeping time and total time in bed. Normally this ratio should be at least 85%. This value can be lowered by for example insomnia (source: American Sleep Apnea Association). |
What is HIPAA? |
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
|
What is HIPAA?
This function removes all information from patients which is saved on ActiGraphs server and on other places with the help of a unique HIPAA-ID. The names of the patients will be saved on the user pc and will stay visible on the pc the device was uploaded. |
What is ANT+? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
|
What is ANT+?
ANT is an efficient low power, wireless protocol that operates in the 2.4GHz ISM RF band. ActiGraph's wGT3X+ accelerometers contain hardware that allow them to communicate with ActiLife, ActiLife Mobile, and other peripheral devices using the ANT protocol. Because of bandwidth limitations, ANT wireless communication with ActiLife is limited to status-type information including battery life; remaining memory; and daily and overall wear time, kcal, and cut point summaries. |
What is the ActiLife API and how is it used? |
ActiLife 6
|
What is the ActiLife API and how is it used?
API Overview
Enabling the API Feature
|
Low Frequency Extension Explained |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
Low Frequency Extension Explained
Our Low Frequency Extension (LFE) filter is designed to detect lower amplitude movements over our standard filter. The sensitives of solid state MEMS accelerometers like the one utilized in ActiGraph's products are very high and can detect even the most minute of movements (+/- 6G's for our GT3X+/wGT3X+/ActiSleep+/wActiSleep+ devices and +/-3G's for our legacy products). |
What does 'Lov Voltage Mode' (Halt) mean? |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
What does 'Lov Voltage Mode' (Halt) mean?
This modus mentioned if the device has too few battery (<3.1V) to be able to collect data. This modus ensures that acceleromter data is being saved in the flash memory of the device, before the 3.0V is reached and the device fails. |
What is the DAT File Format? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
What is the DAT File Format?
Older versions of ActiLife produced *.dat files when downloading data from devices. These files consist of ten(10) lines of header data (meta information about the content) followed by epoch accumulated/filtered data. This“DAT” file stores all of the activity (1 to 3 axis), pedometer, Inclinometer, and/or heart rate data in ASCIIformat. This file also contains the Serial Number, Start Time, Start Date, Epoch Period, Download Time,Download Date, Current Memory Address Pointer, Current Battery Voltage, Mode and First Start Time (usedto build the DAT file) as part of its ten (10) line header information. The file can be viewed with any standard texteditor such as MS Notepad. The Mode value given in the header of the DAT file outlines which features wereactive during data collection for the file. |
What is the AGD Data Table Format? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
What is the AGD Data Table Format?
The data table in the *agd database consist of the following parameters: |
What is the Cole-Kripke algorithm? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
|
What is the Cole-Kripke algorithm?
The Cole Kripke algorithm was derived from research performed by Roger Cole, and Daniel Kripke in the technical note Automatic Sleep/Wake Identification from Wrist Actigraphy. This paper is also available on ActiGraph's research database here. This algorithm is primarly used to score adult populations.
Users wishing to create their own sleep algorithm based on the techniques used in the Sadeh and Cole-Kripke may create their own algorithm using the "Custom Sleep Score Algorithm Builder". |
What is the Sadeh algorithm? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
|
What is the Sadeh algorithm?
The Sadeh algorithm was derived from fundamental research performed by Avi Sadeh, Katherine Sharkey, and Mary Carskadon entitled Activity Based Sleep-Wake Identification: An Empirical Test of Methodological Issues. This paper is available on ActiGraph's research database here. This algorithm is primarily used for younger adolescents as most of the research was performed on children and young adults. |
What is the difference among the Energy Expenditure Algoritms? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
|
What is the difference among the Energy Expenditure Algoritms?
Five physical activity (PA) energy expenditure algorithm options are available to users:
Williams Work-Energy ('98). This formula utilizes the physics equivalent of energy and was derived by CSA (ActiGraph) engineer Robert Williams in the paper Kcal Estimates from Activity Counts using the Potential Energy Method. kcals=Total Calories for a Single Epoch if CPM > 1951 then
kcals/min=Scale×(0.00094×CPM+(0.1346×BM-7.37418))
Important: Energy Expenditure calculations are only accurate for adults, age 19 years and up.
where
CPM = Counts per Minute
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What does ‘Low Power Mode’ mean? |
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
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What does ‘Low Power Mode’ mean?
All ActiGraph devices have a low-power modus (LPM) where the device the power automatically lowers during periods of sedentair acivity. LMP will be active then 60 seconds no activity is recorded. The power of the device will significantly be lowerd which can extend the lifespan of the battery upto 15%.** When the device is in LPM mode, every second the activity will be checked on the X and Y axis. When activity is detected, LMP modus will be immediately deactivated and the device measures as usual. Since July 2012 it is also possible to deactivate this function.
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What are counts? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software ,
ActiSleep+ Monitor ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
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What are counts?
There have been many questions and inquiries as to the origin of the term ‘count’ in relation to activity measurements. Below is an explanation of why ActiGraph uses this unit of measurement and what it represents in the physical world.
"Count" is an enduring term. Prior to solid-state analog-to-digital converter commercial availability, activity monitors utilized either the 'threshold crossing' or 'cycle count' activity measurement. The threshold crossing technique involved incrementing a "count" each time the magnitude of acceleration (activity) exceeded a given threshold. The cycle count approach produced a "count" when enough force was applied to move a mechanical lever through a full cycle (up and down). The latter of these two approaches is very similar in nature to the modern day pedometer measurement technique. ActiGraph's original activity monitor, the 7164 model, utilized a mechanical lever capable of measuring the change in acceleration with respect to time (g/sec, where g is gravity or 9.806 m/s2). To suppress unwanted motion and enhance human activity, the acceleration signal was passed through an analog band-pass filter, the output of which yields a dynamic range of 4.26g/sec (+/-2.13g/sec) at 0.75Hz (center frequency of the filter). Using a sample rate of 10 samples-per-second, this filtered signal was then digitized into 256 distinct levels by an 8-bit solid-state analog-to-digital converter, producing 4.26g/sec per 256 levels or 0.01664 g/sec/count (each level is considered 1 count). When each filtered sample is multiplied by the sample window of 0.1sec, a resolution of 0.001664g/count is achieved. |
What are AGD files? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
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What are AGD files?
The *.agd file format is ActiLife’s native file format and is the desired file type for all ActiLife operations andtools such as Wear Time Validation, Data Scoring, Sleep Scoring, and Graphing. *.agd files are database filesformatted for use with the popular SQLite architecture (www.sqlite.org). These files can be viewed in theActiLife AGD viewer (available from the File menu). Alternatively, the SQLite browser (publically available onthe SQLite website) can be used to browse the details of the *.agd files. AGD File Schema: *.agd files arecreated in ActiLife immediately when data from a GT1M, GT3X, ActiTrainer, or ASM device is downloadedthrough the “Devices” tab. These *.agd files typically contain post-filtered and accumulated data as this is theonly type of data that ActiLife can properly handle. The rows in the database represent whole-number epochsummations (1s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, etc.). However, at the time of this writing all GT1M, GT3X, ActiTrainer, andASM products that have been initialized to collect raw data (12Hz or 30Hz) will produce an *.agd file ondownload. Although the file cannot be processed in ActiLife, the *.agd format can be exported to *.csv or *.datthrough ActiLife’s import/export tool or AGD viewer tool, both accessible from the File menu. GT3X+ devicesproduct a *.gt3x file on download (see *.gt3x File Format). In order to process in ActiLife, the file must beexported to *.agd format. This can be done at the time of download by checking "Create AGD File" from thedownload dialog box or by using ActiLife's built-in import/export tool available from the File menu. |
What are the Floating Window Criteria in the Wear Time Validation tool? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
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What are the Floating Window Criteria in the Wear Time Validation tool?
The Floating Window Criteria settings are used to define windows of inactivity. These windows of inactivity(also called "non-wear periods") can be flagged and excluded from further analysis within ActiLife. This meansthat you will have the option in the Data Scoring tool to exclude these "non-wear periods" from your analysis.This is useful if you're trying to analyze periods of real activity rather than periods when the subject did not wearthe device. Wear Time Validation is used to: |
Wear Time Validation Parameters |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiSleep Software
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Wear Time Validation Parameters
The Wear Time Validation (WTV) tool in ActiLife allows users to easily flag invalid data (or, data collected when a device was not worn) for exclusion from further analysis. WTV also provides a summary of the wear-time and non-wear time results from the datasets. The Data Screening Criteria allow users to define non-wear periods. Data flagged as non-wear is not removed from the *.agd file - it is simply flagged as "wear time" or "non-wear time".
Define a non-wear period This section provides options for defining the non-wear period. ActiLife will use this information to scan the data for non-wear bouts.
Optional Screening Parameters
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ActiLife 5/6 System Requirements |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
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ActiLife 5/6 System Requirements
The minimum System Requirements for ActiLife 5.x/6.x are as follows:
ActiLife is not supported in a Virtual Environment like VMware, VirtualBox, or Parallels. It is also not supported in a Terminal Services environment and does not work with Roaming Profiles or profile folder redirection. |
What are the differences between ActiLife 5 and 6? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6
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What are the differences between ActiLife 5 and 6?
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What is the difference between the Wear Time Validation algorithms? |
ActiLife 6
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What is the difference between the Wear Time Validation algorithms?
The Wear Time Validation tool in ActiLife allows users to screen epoch-level *.agd files (collected from any ActiGraph device) to flag periods of non-wear. Non-wear is estimated by analyzing periods of little or no activity and applying algorithms to those periods to determine if the user was actually wearing the device or not. Although ActiLife offers two Wear Time Validation algorithms, the "Daily" algorithm is deprecated - users are advised not to use this algorithm. This article aims to describe the difference between the "Daily" and the "Floating Window" wear time validation algorithm. Commonalities
"Daily" Wear Time ValidationThe "Daily" option breaks a file down into calendar hours and calendar days. Essentially, an entire HOUR will be flagged as valid or invalid based on the validation criteria. At the end of each hour, the analysis starts over. "Floating Window" Wear Time ValidationThe "Floating Window" algorithm does not break a file into hours but rather looks at consecutive epochs for patterns. Users can choose, for instance, to say "only consider 75 minutes of consecutive zeros as non-wear". After that pattern is detected, all data within that range and the data that follow will be flagged as non-wear. There are no calendar hour/day constraints to detecting non-wear time. This algorithm provides the user with much more flexibility by allowing the user to set tolerance levels, minimum wear-time lengths, and non-wear stop levels. For a full description of the options available in this algorithm, see Wear Time Validation Parameters. |
What are the differences between the GT3X+ and ActiSleep+? |
GT3X+ ,
wActiSleep+ Monitor
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What are the differences between the GT3X+ and ActiSleep+?
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What are GT3Xplus Files? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
GT3X+
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What are GT3Xplus Files?
GT3X+ devices produce an interim compressed file with file extension *.gt3x. This is a compressed file and mustbe extracted to a usable format using ActiLife’s import/export tool which is accessible from the File menu inActiLife. The file can be exported to *.agd format for processing in ActiLife or *.csv/*.dat format for processingusing third party tools. The *.gt3x file can also be exported directly to *.agd format during the download processby checking “Create AGD File” from the download prompt. |
What formulas are used to calcutate MET values? |
ActiLife 5 ,
ActiLife 6 ,
ActiTrainer Activity monitor ,
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
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What formulas are used to calcutate MET values?
ActiLife offers 12 different MET algorithms to determine the average hourly and daily and per-epoch metabolic rate (link to Wikipedia article on Metabolic Rate) for datasets. In short, 1 MET represents the amount of energy the human body expends at rest. This is equivalent to their Basal Metabolic Rate (or BMR). A MET rate of 2.0, for instance, indicates that during that time period, the subject was expending twice their normal sedentary energy (BMR*2). This value will never fall below 1.0. Freedson Treadmill Adult (1998)
Crouter Adult (2012)
Hendelman Adult Overground (2000)
Hendelman Adult Overground and Lifestyle (2000)
Swartz Adult Overground and Lifestyle (2000)
Leenders Adult Treadmill (2003)
Yngve Adult Treadmill (2003)
Yngve Adult Overground (2003)
Brooks Adult Overground (2005)
Brooks Adult Body Mass & Overground (2005)
Freedson Children (2005)
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Does ActiLife 5 and/or 6 work with older devices? |
GT3X+ ,
wGT3X+ Activity Monitor
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Does ActiLife 5 and/or 6 work with older devices?
ActiLife 5 and 6 can communicate with the following devices:
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wGT3X-BT and wActiSleep-BT wear sensor |
wActiSleep-BT Monitor ,
wGT3X-BT Monitor
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wGT3X-BT and wActiSleep-BT wear sensor
ActiGraph wGT3X-BT and wActiSleep-BT devices contain a metallic plate on the back of the battery near the cover which can be used to detect monitor removal when worn against the skin. At this time, this technique works best for wrist-worn devices. There is no need to activate the wear sensor. Data is gathered continuously during normal usage after initialization. The wear sensor data can be consumed alongside all of ActiLife's built-in wear time validation algorithms using the new wear sense preview graphs. The wear sensor can detect short device removals (e.g., 10 minute long shower) whereas the built-in algorithms struggle with detecting non-wear periods shorter than an hour in length. |