Summary
Study comparing HRV measurements in home vs lab settings found that environment significantly impacts standing HRV, with home measurements showing slightly lower variance—highlighting the importance of consistent measurement conditions.
Methods
Dual-environment (home vs lab) and dual-position (sitting vs standing) HRV assessment
Key Findings
- Environment significantly impacted standing HRV measurements
- Home measurements showed slightly lower variance than lab
- Position affects HRV reliability differently in different settings
- Controlled conditions necessary for accurate longitudinal tracking
- Short-term HRV shows significant session-to-session variability
Limitations
Specific to short-term measurements, healthy adults only
What This Means for You
For the most reliable HRV tracking, measure in the same place (home is fine), same position (lying or sitting), same time each day. Environmental changes—like measuring at home one day and in a doctor's office the next—can introduce variability that masks true physiological changes.
Source
Read the original paper in Scientific Reports ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2026-01-21