Overview
In the emWave Pro software, you may notice fields for age and gender when entering user information. These fields do not affect coherence calculations in session tracking.
Why Age and Gender Fields Exist
Originally, the software design included plans to compare a user’s heart rate variability (HRV) data against age- and gender-based norms. However:
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The age and gender comparison feature was never fully implemented.
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Because of this, the age and gender fields are not used in calculating coherence or other session metrics.
As a result, you do not need to enter age or gender for standard session tracking or coherence feedback — those fields are primarily for documentation or reference.
When Age Is Used
If you use emWave Pro Plus (the version that includes assessment features), then age information is required for generating accurate assessment reports.
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The assessment tools compare HRV values to age-based normative data, so age is needed for those comparisons.
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Gender is still not part of assessment calculations — HeartMath research found little difference in HRV norms between sexes.
Summary
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Age and gender fields do not impact coherence calculations in emWave Pro.
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They were intended for a feature that was not implemented.
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Age is required only when generating assessment reports in emWave Pro Plus.
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Gender still has no effect on coherence or assessment calculations.