Overview of the Scoring Logic
The emWave2 handheld device uses a sophisticated algorithm to analyze your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and determine your level of physiological coherence. To provide real-time feedback, the device evaluates your heart rhythm patterns in 5-second increments and translates that data into a scoring system.
Coherence Levels and Point Values
Every 5 seconds, the device assigns a color to your current state and adds the corresponding points to your session total:
-
Red (Low Coherence): 0 Points. This indicates an erratic or jagged heart rhythm, usually associated with stress, frustration, or distraction.
-
Blue (Medium Coherence): 1 Point. This indicates a transition state where the heart rhythm is beginning to smooth out.
-
Green (High Coherence): 2 Points. This indicates a highly ordered, sine-wave-like heart rhythm, associated with emotional balance and peak physiological efficiency.
Accumulated Score vs. Coherence Ratio
-
Accumulated Score: This is the running total of all points earned during your session. There is no maximum score; it will continue to grow as long as you remain in medium or high coherence.
-
Coherence Ratio: This is the percentage of time spent in each of the three zones (Red, Blue, and Green). For example, a session might result in 10% Red, 30% Blue, and 60% Green.
Visualizing Progress on the Handheld Device
Since the handheld device does not have a digital screen to show numbers, it uses the Heart Action Strip (the vertical row of blue lights) to show your Accumulated Score:
-
As you earn points, the blue lights will “climb” from the bottom to the top.
-
Cycling: When you reach the top of the strip, the lights will reset to the bottom.
-
Tracking Cycles: Each time you “fill” the strip and it resets, one of the small lights at the very bottom of the device will light up or change to indicate you have completed a full cycle of points. This allows you to track high scores even during long sessions.
Why Does My Score Stay at Zero?
If you are consistently in the Red (Low Coherence) zone, your Accumulated Score will not increase because Red earns 0 points. To begin accumulating time and points, focus on the Heart-Focused Breathing technique to shift your rhythm into the Blue or Green zones.
Syncing to Software
When you sync your emWave2 to the emWave PRO or emWave2 software, these points are plotted on a graph, allowing you to see exactly when your coherence shifted during the session. The software will provide the final numerical Accumulated Score and the Coherence Ratio percentages for your permanent records.