ActiGraph wGT3X+ User manual

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User’s Manual for the wGT3X+ and
wActiSleep+

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Change Page
About the
change page
table
The following table describes the changes that have been made to this document
since its original baseline. This table shall be maintained as long as this document is
active.
Revision
Brief Description of Change
Date of
Approval
A
Initial version
5/30/2012

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Table of Contents
Important Information and Symbols ............................................................................................................ 4
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Specifications and Functionality of the wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+............................................................... 7
Data........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Acceleration .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Ambient Light........................................................................................................................................ 7
Steps...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Inclinometer.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Low Frequency Extension ..................................................................................................................... 9
Data Collection...................................................................................................................................... 9
Water Resistance ................................................................................................................................ 10
Wireless................................................................................................................................................... 10
Sensor Connectivity ............................................................................................................................10
Wireless Reporting and Control.......................................................................................................... 10
Battery.....................................................................................................................................................11
Low Voltage Mode (HALT) .................................................................................................................. 13
Recharging and LED Decoding ............................................................................................................ 13
Wearing the Device..................................................................................................................................... 15

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Important Information and Symbols
The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ devices abide by the following regulations listed below and give
explanation into the symbols that are found on each device. These symbols and statements apply to
both the wGT3X+ device and the wActiSleep+.
The devices are compliant with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards
for "Type BF Applied Part" - meaning they comply with requirements for protection
against electrical shock.
CAUTION: Do not simultaneously charge and wear the device. The end user should not
be in the patient vicinity when being charged1
CAUTION: Transporting or operating these devices outside of the temperature range of
-20oC to +60oC could lead to dangerous conditions and/or incorrect data collection.
Class II medical device
FCC Part 15.107 –AC Conducted Emissions
FCC Part 15.109 –Radiated Emissions
FCC Part 15.207 –Modular Transmitter AC Line Conducted Emissions
FCC Part 15.249 –Radiated Emission Limits of Intentional Radiators
These devices comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ActiGraph, LLC will void the user's
authority to operate the equipment under FCC regulations.
1
A patient vicinity is areas in which PATIENTS are normally cared for and the space with surfaces likely to be contacted by the
PATIENT or an attendant who can touch the PATIENT. This encloses a space within the room 1,83 m (6 feet) beyond the perimeter
of the bed (examination table, dental chair, treatment booth, and the like) in its intended location, and extending vertically 2,29 m (7-
1/2 feet) above the floor.

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These devices are classified as Class I medical devices within the European Union and
have been approved to be sold as medical devices according to the European Union's
regulatory requirements listed below:
EN 60601-1: 1988 + A1: 1991 + A2: 1995 –Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1:
General Requirements for Safety
EN 60601-1-2:2007, inc. C:2010 –Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-2: General
Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance –Collateral Standard:
Electromagnetic Compatibility –Requirements and tests IEC 60601-1-2 (Modified)
EN 61000-4-2:2009 –Electromagnetic Compatibility –Part 4: Testing and
measurement techniques –Section 2: Electrostatic discharge immunity test
EN 61000-4-3:2006, inc. A2:2010 –Electromagnetic Compatibility –Part 4: Testing
and measurement techniques –Section 3: Radiated, radio-frequency,
electromagnetic field immunity test
EN 55011:2009, inc. A1:2010 –Limits and methods of measurement of radio
disturbance, characteristics of industrial, scientific and medical radio frequency
equipment
EN 300 440-2 V1.4.1 –Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters
(ERM); Short range devices; Radio equipment to be used in the 1 GHz to 40 GHz
frequency range; Part 2: Harmonized EN covering the essential requirements of
article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive (wGT3X+ device only)
EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1 –Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters
(ERM); Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment; Part
3: Specific conditions for Short-Range Devices (SRD) operating on frequencies
between 9kHz and 40GHz
These devices comply with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter
tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en
compromettre le fonctionnement.

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Australia/New
Zealand
These devices comply with the Australian and New Zealand standards:
AS/NZS 4268 (2008) –Radio equipment and systems –Short range devices
AS/NZS CISPR 11:2011 - Information technology equipment –Radio disturbance
characteristics –Limits and methods of measurement
AS/NZ CISPR 22 (2009) –Information technology equipment –Radio disturbance
characteristics –Limits and methods of measurement
Physiological
Effects
The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ do not produce any known physiological effects.
The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ are manufactured Lead-Free and comply with RoHS
standards (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment)
The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ are water resistant in accordance with IEC 60529 and have
the International Protection Rating: IPX7, or immersion in one (1) meter of water for up
to 30 minutes.
Contact ActiGraph Customer Service regarding the disposal of these products.

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Introduction
The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ activity monitors provide objective measurements of human activity and
are used in many research and clinical applications. They include a microelectromechanical system
(MEMS) based accelerometer and an ambient light as data sensors.
Specifications and Functionality of the wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+
Data
The devices include both an acceleration sensor as well as an ambient light sensor.
Acceleration
The devices include an acceleration sensor that consists of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
accelerometer yielding the following product specifications:
Parameter
Value
Units
Axis
3
Sensitivity
220
mV/g
Dynamic Range
+/- 6
G
Table 1 –Accelerometer Key Specifications
The acceleration data is sampled by a 12 bit analog to digital converter at rates ranging from 30 Hz to
100 Hz (user selectable) and stored in a raw, non-filtered/accumulated format in the units of gravity
(G’s). This data is stored directly into a 256 or 512 MB non-volatile flash memory.
Ambient Light
Ambient light data is sampled and stored to memory at a 1 Hz rate. When a downloaded data file is
converted into an accumulated *.agd format with epoch lengths greater than one second, the lux values
for that epoch are averaged. An estimate of lux values is shown in Table 1.
Lux Level
Interpretation Comparison
1
Twilight
50
Family living room
100
Very dark overcast day
320-500
Office lighting

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400
Sunrise/sunset
1,000
Overcast day
10,000-25,000
Full daylight
32,000-130,000
Direct sunlight
Table 1 –Lux Level Interpretation Estimates
Steps
Step counts are accumulated on a per-epoch basis and are based on accelerometer data collected on
the vertical axis. An algorithm present in the device firmware filters out the accelerometer’s baseline
noise level to help accurately accumulate the steps-per-epoch.
Inclinometer
The inclinometer feature can help users identify the orientation of the device and, more importantly,
when the device itself was taken off. Each epoch is flagged with a number (1 through 4) to indicate the
orientation of the device during that epoch. For wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ devices, this is done within
the ActiLife software when converting the *.gt3x file to *.agd format. As noted, the inclinometer
feature is only valid when the device is worn vertically on the point of the hip. More details are
available in the Inclinometer Whitepaper.
Important The inclinometer feature is only valid if the device is worn on the hip
with Axis 1 upward facing.
Inclinometer Code
(Stored with each Epoch)
Interpretation
0
Device Off (Not Being Worn)
1
Subject Standing
2
Subject Lying Horizontal
3
Subject Sitting
Table 3 - Inclinometer Definitions
Off Indication on wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ versus other devices
The Inclinometer feature offers researchers the ability to detect periods of time during which the device
was not worn. For devices other than the wGT3X+, wActiSleep+, GT3X+, and ActiSleep+, the
inclinometer algorithm makes this prediction by examining the angle at which the device is placed. In
the wGT3X+, wActiSleep+, GT3X+, and ActiSleep+ devices, off detection is performed by analyzing both
the angle at which the unit is placed as well as the length of time the device remains still. Absolute

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stillness for three (3) minutes indicates that the unit is likely in an “off” condition regardless of
orientation. As such, epochs that follow three motionless minutes of activity are flagged as “off,” i.e.,
the inclinometer code is equal to zero. These values are not retroactive. That is, the first three minutes
of zero activity are not flagged as “off.” In addition, 30 minutes in the “off” orientation will cause the
inclinometer value to indicate off after that time period has elapsed regardless of motion.
At this time, the inclinometer feature is being validated by the research community.
Low Frequency Extension
The Low Frequency Extension (LFE) option, though not a mode or channel, is another data collection
option during device initialization, and during post-processing for the wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+. The
Normal proprietary filter algorithm used in ActiGraph products is used to eliminate any acceleration
noise outside of the normal human activity frequency bandwidth. This filter is customized to work with
ActiGraph’s Energy Expenditure Algorithms. The LFE option, when enabled, extends the lower end
(baseband) of the filter cutoff, effectively expanding the bandwidth of the accumulated data. This
option is useful when measuring actigraphy data for subjects who move slowly or take very light steps
(for example, the elderly). For more details, contact ActiGraph at [email protected].
Data Collection
During initialization, the user chooses the raw data sample frequency (30Hz up to 100Hz in 10Hz
increments). The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ collect data from all on-board sensors in raw data format.
Data recorded includes:
Vertical Axis Activity Acceleration Data (Axis 1)
Horizontal Axis Activity Acceleration Data (Axis 2)
Perpendicular Axis Activity Acceleration Data (Axis 3)
Ambient Light (Lux)
Although Steps and Inclinometer are not directly measured during data collection,
these values can be derived from the 3-axis data during *.gt3x file
decompression.
Unlike previous ActiGraph products, the wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ do not filter or accumulate data into
epochs. Raw data is collected at the selected sample rate and is post-processed in the ActiLife. Because
these devices collect data from all sensors at all times, users can generate native ActiLife *.agd files
containing any desired combination of parametric data at a later time. This helps facilitate backward
compatibility and enhances the flexibility of the data by allowing users to compare data to studies which
use different filter techniques or accumulation sizes (e.g., 1 second epochs versus 60 second epochs).

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Figure 1 –Raw Data Collection and Processing
Water Resistance
The wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ are water resistant in accordance with IEC 60529 IPX7, or immersion in
one (1) meter of water for up to 30 minutes
Wireless
In addition to the standard features and functionality of their predecessor devices (GT3X+ and
ActiSleep+), the wGT3X+ and ActiSleep+ provide a wireless interface by way of the ANT wireless
communication protocol. This 2.4 GHz based interface allows for interoperability with millions of
already fielded nodes as well as provides a means of rapidly gathering device and/or subject
information. The wireless functionality can be disabled when not needed in order to increase battery
life.
Sensor Connectivity
One of the primary benefits of the ANT protocol being implemented on the wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+
activity monitors is the ability to seamlessly merge data from other relevant sensors. Some of the
device types currently supported by the ANT protocol are; Heart Rate Straps, Weight Scales, and Blood
Pressure Cuffs. The ability to integrate data from different sensors significantly increases the usability of
the devices.
Wireless Reporting and Control
In addition to enhancing and increasing the sources for data collection, the wireless functionality of the
wGT3X+ and the wActiSleep+ enables the user to perform many functions that previously required USB
connection or weren’t possible before. Many functions can now be performed in the field rather than
requiring the researcher to be tethered to a computer in the lab.
Initialization
Both the wGT3X+ and the wActiSleep+ can now be fully initialized wirelessly. This can be performed
with a PC utilizing a USB ANT dongle or with ActiGraph’s new ActiLife Mobile available on the iPhone
platform.
Device Status
Device specific status information can be obtained. Some of the items retrieved include; firmware
version, battery voltage, current mode, subject name, and device serial number.
Download
DeviceG
T3X+
Raw Samples
(30Hz-100Hz)
(compressed/raw)
ActiLife
Filtering &
Accumulation
(.agd)
Compressed Raw
Zip File
(*.gt3x)
Post-Processing

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Data Summary
A new feature being introduced with the wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ is data summary. This feature
provides a wireless mean to rapidly tell information about the subject data. Daily and cumulative totals
are provided for counts, steps, and cut points. Additionally, a non-sedentary value is presented in order
to allow the researcher to rapidly gain insight into subject wear time/compliance.
Battery
All ActiGraph devices use a lithium ion rechargeable battery that has a maximum voltage of
approximately 4.20 volts. At 3.1 volts the devices enter a low voltage mode state (HALT mode).
In order to slow the aging of the Lithium Ion battery, it is recommended that devices be stored in a
partially charged state (40 –60% battery capacity) in low ambient temperatures. Table 4 demonstrates
the impact of storage temperature and charge state on battery long term capacity.
Table 4 - Lithium Ion Storage
Note: If a computer is not available or if multiple devices need to be recharged, a
self-powered USB hub can be used.
IMPORTANT: ActiGraph’s devices do not come fully charged from the
manufacturer and recommend the units be charged fully before their initial use.

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wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+
Sample Rate (Hz)
Battery Life
(Days)
Memory Limit
(Days)
30
31.00
42.50
40
27.50
32.00
50
24.50
25.00
60
22.50
21.00
70
20.50
18.00
80
19.00
16.00
90
17.50
14.00
100
16.50
12.50
Table 5 –Battery life based on 16 Hrs Active, 8 Hrs sleep.
wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+
Sample Rate (Hz)
Battery Life
(Days)
Memory Limit
(Days)
30
22.50
42.50
40
20.50
32.00
50
17.50
25.00
60
16.00
21.00
70
15.00
18.00
80
13.25
16.00
90
12.25
14.00
100
11.50
12.50
Table 6 –Battery life based on no sleep (24 hrs active).

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Low Voltage Mode (HALT)
ActiGraph devices enter a “Low Voltage Mode” (or HALT) state when the battery discharges beyond a
point of being able to power the device. In this mode, all important variables and data are stored in
flash memory to secure the device download. Because the device’s internal clock stops in HALT mode,
the device cannot be recharged and redeployed; the device must be downloaded and reinitialized to
continue use.
Recharging and LED Decoding
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
to become fully charged. Once the battery is completely charged, the green LED will remain illuminated.
If the battery voltage drops below 3.1 volts while in use, the device will not have sufficient power to
collect data and will warn the user through a series of coded flashes (see Error! Reference source not
found.). The battery level, reported in volts, can be viewed at any time by starting the ActiLife software
and plugging in the device.
Important: ActiLife will not allow initialization if the voltage is below 3.85 volts.

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Device Connected to PC
Red LED (Fault Indicator)
2 Flashes
Li-Ion Battery is Faulty
3 Flashes
A hardware failure occurred while recording data.
Contact customer support at [e-mail]
Green LED
1 Flash
Battery Charging
Multiple Flashes
Communicating with PC via USB
Steady On
Battery Fully Charged
Device Not Connected to PC
Red LED (Fault Indicator)
No Flashing
(LED Off)
Normal operating condition or battery dead
2 Flashes
Low Battery (use ActiLife Lifestyle software to check for remaining battery life). The
unit needs to be recharged.
3 Flashes
-Unexpected Battery Failure (Temporary battery power loss)
or
-Battery Level has fallen below 3.1V and the unit has entered Halt Mode
Green LED
No Flashing
(LED Off)
Actively collecting data (“Flash Mode” disabled) or battery dead
1 Flash
-Delay before start mode (the LED always flashes prior to starting data collection)
-Actively taking data ("Flash Mode" enabled –not recommended)
2 Flashes
N/A
3 Flashes
-End of memory reached (Device no longer collecting data)
-Battery died while unit was in delay before start mode (no data collected on
device)
-Wireless Feature Enabled
-Yellow LED (Wireless Indicator)
1 Flash Every 5 Seconds
-Actively paired with and receiving Heart Rate data
1 Flash Every Second
-Actively paired and communicating with ActiLife or ActiLife Mobile
Note: The Red LED will ALWAYS flash to indicate LOW BATTERY regardless of whether "Flash Mode" is enabled or
disabled. If a “stop time” (optional) has been reached, the Green LED will stop flashing all together regardless of its
previous state.
Table 7 –wGT3X+ and wActiSleep+ LED Reference Table

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Wearing the Device
All ActiGraph activity monitors are designed to monitor human activity and record energy expenditure
(calories spent during normal activity, METs, everyday activity, and exercise). Additionally, these devices
can also function as a very accurate sleep assessment tool
2
. While collecting day-to-day energy
expenditure data, the device should be affixed securely to the body’s center-of-mass to ensure the most
accurate caloric measurements. Wrist worn (non-validated) EE for kids is now available for 3-axis
ActiGraph devices. When being used for sleep assessment, ActiGraph devices may be worn anywhere on
the body: wrist, waist (hip), arm, or ankle.
Note: It is not safe to wear devices while they are charging.
It is recommended that children under 12 years of age wear ActiGraph devices on the elastic belt (versus
the adhesive belt clip) as it is the most secure way to wear the device. Belt loop pouches, wrist and
ankle straps are also available.
2
Sleep analysis can also be performed by purchasing ActiGraph’s ActiSleep analysis program, which is part of the Virtual
Trainer, web-based, analysis software. Formulas for this tool were developed by Dr. Avi Sadeh. Department of Psychology,
Tel Aviv University.