What is Fitabase?

Fitabase is a comprehensive data management platform designed to support innovative research projects using wearable and internet-connected devices.

What devices do you support?

Currently, we support the entire ecosystem of wearable activity tracking devices and internet-connected scales from Fitbit and Garmin, as well as Dexcom's continuous glucose monitors. We’re constantly exploring new opportunities to support additional devices and health data applications.If you’re using something other than Fitbit or Garmin, please get in touch to find out how we can help.

What data can I get from Fitabase?

We use the Fitbit Partner API to generate access to a variety of data sets. These include:

Physical Activity Data:

Fitabase collects all physical activity data tracked by Fitbit devices. This includes steps, activity intensity, energy expenditure, and METs. Use the table below to better understand what types of data are available through Fitabase.

Heart Rate Data:

If you are using Fitbit devices that support heart rate tracking (ChargeHR, Charge 2, Surge, AltaHR, Blaze, and Ionic) we provide access to the highest resolution data available, as well as daily resting heart rate. 

Sleep Data:

If you are using Fitbit devices that support sleep tracking, we are able to provide the daily, per-record, and high resolution sleep data. This includes access to sleep stages data from newer devices (Alta HR, Charge 2, Blaze, and Ionic). 

Weight Data:

If you are using the Fitbit Aria or Aria 2 to seamlessly track participant weight we can make that data available to you in your Fitabase project. 

Food/Dietary Data:

Please get in touch if you are interested in accessing food log data from connected Fitbit accounts.  

What type of device(s) do you recommend?

Great question! While we always recommend using the device that will ensure you receive the data that matters most for your research outcomes, we're happy to help you figure out the best choice for your needs. 

You can use our handy Device Comparison Tool to better understand features and available data from the different wearable devices we support.

If you have more questions about using different devices, just get in touch! We're happy to help. 

How do devices sync with Fitabase?

Once you connect a device to Fitabase, we are able to bring in that device's data as soon as the wearable service makes it available to us. This usually happens immediately after the device syncs. Typically, our customers will have their participants use the associated wearable mobile app to sync their device. In some instances, participants can use desktop/laptop software to sync their devices if they do not have access to a smartphone or tablet.

How long do the batteries last? Will my participants have to charge their device?

Each device is different, and how long they last depends on numerous factors.

Fitbit: Most device batteries will last between 4-7 days, depending on the model. The exception is the Fitbit Zip, which uses a replaceable coin cell battery that can last up to six months. To learn more about battery life for Fitbit devices please visit this help page at Fitbit.com.

Garmin: Battery life varies by devices, with some devices offering a year-long battery (vívofit 4), and others offering 5-7 days of battery life. Check out our device comparison page for more details about device battery life.

Dexcom: Transmitter batteries for the G6 and G5 Mobile monitors last about three months. The sensor, however, can be worn up to 10 days. 

How accurate are wearables? Can they be used for research?

Wearables and activity trackers have been used in hundreds of research studies in many different populations. They been shown to be valid tools for measuring many different aspects of health, including physical activity, heart rate, sleep and blood glucose levels.

We invite you to use our extensive Fitabase Research Library to search through the hundreds of published studies, protocols, and methodology papers that mention using Fitbit or Garmin devices.

Can I use Fitabase for research studies involving children?

Yes! Fitabase has been used to collected de-identified data during research studies involving children and adolescents of all ages. Recently Fitbit also updated their terms to allow for use by those under the age of 13 with parental assent. 

Garmin's privacy policy requires that users be at least 16 years old. 

Get in touch to learn more about using Fitbit devices to track activity and sleep in children and adolescents for your research study.

How secure is the Fitabase platform?

As a research platform that collects data from internet connected consumer devices, we take security and privacy seriously. Fitabase is a fully hosted, cloud-based software solution that implements robust industry standards to maintain secure databases and keep data private.

Fitabase also gives you the option to run your project completely de-identified. A PDF that details some additional security and privacy information for Fitabase can be found here.

Does Fitabase offer raw data?

The Fitabase platform offers access to the highest resolution of data available from our partner APIs. 

Please visit our Knowledge Base to learn more about available data resolutions.

Can I use Fitabase to access my personal data?

Fitabase is a comprehensive data management platform intended to support projects, studies, and clinical trials that deploy multiple wearable devices. At this time we do not support downloading or access to personal data.

What rights does Fitabase claim to my data?

Fitabase does not make any claims of ownership to your data beyond just enough rights to hold on to it and to use it to monitor and observe for any issues in our system. We do not sell or make your data available to third parties. 

For more details please view our Terms. 

Can I buy data?

No. Fitabase never sells or offers access to the data we collect on behalf of our customers.