Charge 5 EDA scan vs. Sense

[phnichols]

I just completed back to back EDA scans, first with the Charge 5, and then the Sense. Charge 5 showed 27 responses, and the Sense 1 response. My heart rate on the Charge 5 went from 70 to 76 bpm, while the Sense showed 66 to 70 bpm. 

Every time I use the Charge 5, it will register 20+ EDA responses, and an increase in heart rate. This feature is half-baked at best, and provides no useful insights. 

[SilviaFitbit]

@phnichols Hi there. 

Thanks for sharing your insights on the EDA scans performed. 

Note that, both your palm and fingers provide accurate representations of your EDA responses. Note: If you aren’t getting EDA signals, press firmly when performing an EDA scan. 

It’s most important to look at the trend of your EDA responses during a session and across sessions using the same device to understand if and how your body responded to stressful thoughts or situations. Looking at trends allows you to see how your mindfulness practice impacts your capacity to respond to stress and a how your  EDA responses change over time. 

There are differences between Fitbit devices for measuring your EDA response. With Charge 5, we measure your EDA responses from your fingertips, and with Sense we use the palm of your hand. The different hand positions between Charge 5 and Sense when measuring your EDA responses could result in different response levels. 

Hope this helps. 

[phnichols]

Silvia, 

Thanks for your reply. I just did the comparison a minute ago, and Charge 5 had 28 responses, Sense 0. I do agree that rather than compare between devices, it’s more important to use one consistently, and look at ways to ways to better handle our responses to stressful situations. We agree on that. However, there has to be better agreement between Fitbit devices than 28 responses vs. 0 responses, no matter where it’s being measured. I’m not at all sure that there is a measurable difference between palm and fingertips, and I don’t accept that the two can be quite different, but both accurate,

In the end, if there’s no objective measure of “stress”, we’re left with our individual perceptions. I think we are all pretty good at knowing when we feel stressed. In that case, I can spare the 3 minute scan. 
Others have commented on this forum about similar EDA results. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Charge 5. But this feature truly is half-baked, at best.

[SilviaFitbit]

@phnichols Thank you for getting back. 

Your comments are appreciated, be sure that the Fitbit forums are always reviewed,  this to ensure that the features that are implemented are based in the user's needs. 

See you around.