Software & Accessories

Markers are now also visible in the archive
eSense Pulse with new evaluation and reference values by gender and age (as an in-app purchase)
Module names freely selectable for procedures
Extended backup of the archive locally & in the cloud (as an in-app purchase)
Increased precision in the timing of recordings, especially in CSV export

Manual & FAQ: https://help.mindfield.de

2. Note Pro and Home version

There are two versions of the eSense Muscle:

A professional version (Pro Edition) at full price with which EMG measurements can be performed with 2 channels. The web app, the mobile app for iOS and Android, all games and the oscilloscope are available.

A private version (Home Edition) at a reduced price with which EMG measurements can be performed with 1 channel. The web app and the games are available.

While the professional version is aimed at professional biofeedback trainers, the private version enables the personal use at an affordable price.

Details Home Edition

One channel is available (the scope of delivery of the Home Edition therefore also includes only the accessories for 1-channel training)
A bandpass of 100-200 Hz is preset
All 1-channel animations are available
All games are also available in the Home Edition (as generally all games are also playable with one channel)
On the highscore page all points from the games and animations are visible for the user
The web app is available

Details Pro Edition

One and two channels are available
The bandpasses are freely selectable (20-950 Hz, 20-300 Hz and 100-200 Hz)
All 1-channel and also 2-channel animations are available
All games are also available in Pro Edition.
On the highscore page all points from the games and animations are also visible on a global list of all Pro Edition users (optional)
An oscilloscope with functions like a long time history and drawing mode is available
A contraction helper is available
The storage and display of the raw data of all measurements is possible
The web app and the mobile app are available

Note: The Pro Edition is unlocked by entering a password in the options.

3. Note on the Apps

Web App vs. Web App for Mobile Devices vs. Mobile App for Mobile Devices

There are 3 apps available for the eSense Muscle. We recommend these in the following order:

the web app for desktop (Windows, Mac and Linux)
the mobile app (Android and iOS)
the web app for mobile devices (Android and iOS)

In the following we will go into all 3 briefly.

Web App for Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)

We recommend this app. This is also available with both versions of the eSense Muscle, the private and the professional version. You can find them under www.esense-muscle.com.

Link to article: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/esense-web-app-recommended

Mobile App (Android and iOS)

If you want to use the eSense Muscle with an Android or iOS device (smartphone or tablet), we recommend our mobile app.

Link to article: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/notes-before-starting-the-esense-mobile-app

Web App for Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)

We recommend our mobile app for mobile devices (see above), but you can still use the eSense web app on a mobile device.

Link to article: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/esense-web-app-recommended

4. Delivery contents eSense Muscle

Mindfield® eSense Muscle Sensor incl. 1600mAh lithium polymer battery for approx. 12 hours of continuous operation

Electrode cable set for connecting up to 3 electrodes (Home Edition) or 5 electrodes (Pro Edition)

USB-C charging cable and charger

Please only use the enclosed charger!
Fully charge the eSense Muscle before first use! Observe the notes in the manual!

Bluetooth® dongle for PCs that do not have Bluetooth® (please refer to the enclosed instructions)

50 pieces of EMG surface electrodes

50 pieces of alcohol swabs for cleaning the skin

eSense Muscle Web App by Mindfield, available at https://esense-muscle.com
eSense Muscle Mobile App by Mindfield for iOS & Android (Pro Edition, can be unlocked via password in the eSense App)

5. Technical Data

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth® Version:	5.0 Low Energy, downward compatible up to 4.0
Frequency range:	2402-2480 MHz
Data rate (up to):	2 Mbps
Number of channels:	40
Channel spacing:	2 MHz
Antenna type:	Integrated antenna
Antenna gain:	0.5dBi

eSense Muscle

Two-channel EMG biofeedback device
Bluetooth® 5.0 transmission to PC or smartphone/tablet (Android and iOS)
Fixed Li-Ion battery 1600mAh for up to 12h continuous operation
Two bipolar EMG inputs (CH1+, CH1-, CH2+, CH2-); one Analog Ground
Two multifunction buttons for using the device
One RGB LED to show the operating status
24-bit ADC and preamplifier for each channel
- A native sampling at 2 kHz per channel.
Three bandpass filters (Bessel, 8th order) per channel. -3dB cut-off frequencies: BP1: 20..950Hz, BP2: 20..300Hz, BP3: 100..200Hz
RMS calculation and moving average over 0.5 seconds. Decimation to 100 RMS samples per second
200mV differential measuring range per channel
0.024 μV ADC resolution per LSB
< 1.7 μV RMS noise BP1
< 1.3 μV RMS noise BP2
< 0.8 μV RMS noise BP3
Channel 1 and 2 CMRR at 50Hz and 60Hz: better -105dB
Protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) up to +-15kV according to the “Human Body Model,” IEC 1000-4-2, Air-Gap Discharge
HF-filter
Operating mode: continuous operation
Measurement accuracy EMG amplifier / ADC
- Reinforcement: ± 5 % basic accuracy, ± 0.2 % after calibration
Operating range: 5-40 °C, <= 95% relative humidity

6. Analysis of eSense data (CSV)

You can export the data from the eSense app and then further evaluate it with other programs (such as Microsoft Excel™ or Google Spreadsheets™). In this guide we will show you all the steps, from exporting from the eSense app to importing and evaluating in Microsoft Excel™ and Google Sheets™.

For the eSense Pulse we also have a complementary article about the Kubios HRV software.

The examples shown in this guide are mostly related to the eSense Skin Response. In principle, however, data from the eSense Temperature, eSense Pulse, eSense Respiration or eSense Muscle can be processed in the same way.

Exporting measured values from the Mindfield eSense app

The app also includes an archive where you can save and export your recordings.

Export data

By tapping on the export icon in the upper right or by tapping the “Export as CSV File” button at the bottom you can export the recordings in .csv format with all common apps (e.g. send via Messenger™, WhatsApp™, email etc.) or simply on your phone or in your cloud (e.g. Google Drive™ or Dropbox™).

The data is exported as.csv file (comma-separated values). You can open this file format e.g. with Microsoft Excel™ or Open Office Calc™ (free alternative to Excel).

If you like working with Google, Google Sheets™ (Google Tabellen™ in German) can also be an alternative to Excel for you. You can also open and visualize your exported.csv files and easily access them from multiple devices via the cloud. Google Sheets has similar functions as Excel and a very similar operation.

General Note

The exported files are always CSV files. CSV stands for “Comma separated values”. This means that a comma separates the values in the file (,).

These CSV files can be opened and edited with programs such as Microsoft Excel™, Google Sheets™. It is also possible to import and edit with frequently used programming languages or frameworks such as R™, Python™, Numpy™ or Tensorflow™.

These instructions refer to Microsoft Excel™ and Google Sheets™. We recommend beginners to use Google Sheets™ rather than Microsoft Excel™, because it is easier to use and it often works better with our measurements (f.i. the seconds are not automatically prefixed to dates, see in the section on Excel). Google Sheets is also a bit better at quickly creating charts automatically. Using Excel makes more sense if you are already more familiar with Excel.

You can find Google Sheets™ here: https://www.google.com/sheets/about/

Your settings at Excel™ and Google Sheets™ are decisive. The eSense app adapts the measured values to the language used. In English, the numbers are usually separated by a dot. Therefore, 1.5 in the English version becomes 1,5 in the German version. So if you open the CSV file with Excel™ or Google Sheets™ and the numbers don’t make sense, it’s usually because of different languages in the eSense app and Excel™ or Sheets™.

In principle, therefore, the following applies: If you use Excel™ or Sheets™ in German, you should also use the eSense app in German. If you use Excel™ or Sheets™ in English, you should also use the eSense app in English. This saves you the first two steps (replacing decimal separators and splitting values into columns) and you can start directly with step 3 (Apply skin conductance against time).

Microsoft Excel™

1. Replace decimal separator (only necessary if you have different language settings in Excel™ and the eSense app)

Press Ctrl+H (search and replace).
Replace all commas “,” with semicolons “;” (replace the column separator)
Replace all commas “,” with periods “.” (replace decimal separator)
(Alternatively, you can change the decimal separator used by Excel™ by default: Click File – Options – Advanced. Deactivate the item “Take over separator from operating system” and select dot as decimal separator and comma as thousand separator.

2. Split values into columns (only necessary if you have different language settings in Excel™ and the eSense app)

The values for time and measured value are still in the first column, separated by commas or semicolons. You must divide them into two columns.

Select the entire first column A
Click on the “Text to columns” function in the “Data” menu
Select file type “separate” or “Delimited” and click on next.
Choose the separator comma (,) or semicolon (;) depending on which character separates the values
Click on “Next”, Column data format “General”, and “Finish”.

3. Format seconds correctly (optional)

Excel often formats the seconds in the first column automatically to a date. Unfortunately there is no way to disable this, it is preset by Excel. But there are a few ways to solve this: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/stop-automatically-changing-numbers-to-dates-452bd2db-cc96-47d1-81e4-72cec11c4ed8

4. Draw skin conductance against time

Select both columns. The first column with the seconds and another column with the measured value depending on the eSense sensor (Microsiemens for Skin Response, Celsius/Fahrenheit for Temperature, heart rate or RR interval or HRV amplitude for Pulse, RR or breaths per minute for Respiration) completely. Then press the CTRL and Shift keys simultaneously, hold them down, press the left, and down arrow keys. With this abbreviation, you can quickly select both columns, even for thousands of measured values).
Select the diagram type “Scatter” in the “Insert” menu and then the diagram type “Scatter with smooth lines and marker”. You get a diagram with the time in seconds in the horizontal axis. Alternatively, you can also select “Line”.
Note: If you are using the latest version of Excel™, you can also try “Recommended graphs”. Often Excel™ already recognizes the graph automatically.

**Create diagram (points with interpolated lines and data points)**

**The finished diagram (Type Line) of a measurement with the eSense Skin Response**

**The finished diagram (Type Line) of a measurement with the eSense Pulse**

5. Draw skin conductance against markers

First create the diagram from the previous step 3 (Draw skin conductance against time)
In the menu under “Diagram tools” -> “Chart Design” select “Select data”. A new mask will appear.
Under “Legend entries (rows)”, select “Add”.
Enter a series name (for example “markings”) and select your markings for the row values (in column F)
Select from the menu “Add chart element” -> “Data labels” -> “More data label options”.
A menu will open on the right. There you can select “Label options” -> “Value from cells” (and deactivate “Value” if necessary). Another mask opens and you have to mark your marks from column D again.
If you also want the lines to the positions in the graphs, you must select “Add chart element” -> “Drop Lines”
You can now adjust colors or fonts.

**The finished diagram with markers of a measurement with the eSense Skin Response**

6. Draw skin conductance against SCR

First create the diagram from the previous step 3 (Draw skin conductance against time)
In the menu under “Diagram tools” -> “Chart Design” select “Select data”. A new mask will appear.
Under “Legend entries (rows)”, select “Add”.
Enter a series name (for example SCR”) and select your SCR/min for the row values (in column F)
In the menu under “Chart Tools” -> “Design” select “Change Chart Type”. A new mask will appear. In the tab, select “All Charts” -> “Combo” -> “Custom Combination”. For the SCR, select “Clustered Column” from the drop-down menu and make sure that the tick next to Secondary axis is set (see also following screenshot).

**Another Combo-Chart with Skin Response and SCR**

Google Drive (Google Sheets™, recommended)

As in Excel™, complications with the separators can also occur here. The exported files are always CSV files. CSV stands for “Comma separated values. This means that a comma separates the values in the file (,)

Google often tries to format the data automatically. Then it can happen, among other things, that the measured values are interpreted as date. To prevent this, you should first make sure that you select “Format” -> “Number” -> “Number”.

1. Replace decimal separator (only necessary if you have different language settings in Google Sheets™ and the eSense app)

Press Ctrl+H (search and replace).
Replace all commas “,” with semicolons “;” (replace the column separator)
Replace all commas “,” with periods “.” (replace decimal separator)

2. Split values into columns (only necessary if you have different language settings in Google Sheets™ and the eSense app)

Depending on their language settings, the values for time and measured value are both in the first column, separated by commas or semicolons. You must divide them into two columns.

Select the entire first column A
Click on “Data” -> “Split text into columns” in the menu
Choose the separator comma (,) or semicolon (;) depending on which character separates the values as seperator

3. Apply skin conductance against time.

Mark both columns (Second and Micro Siemens/Celsius/Fahrenheit) completely
(Tip: click with the mouse into the column where “Measured values” is written. Then press the CTRL and Shift keys simultaneously, hold them down, press the left, and down arrow keys. With this abbreviation, you can quickly select both columns, even for thousands of measured values).
4.3. Select “Insert” -> “Chart” in the menu. Note: Google Sheets™ often tries to automatically create the right chart. Sometimes this works well, sometimes it doesn’t. If the diagram does not make sense, simply continue with the next steps.
Click on the diagram. A dialog box should open at the right margin. Select “Smoothed line chart” as the diagram type. For “X-axis”, make sure seconds are selected. For the “series”, make sure that your measured values are selected.

4. Enter main conductance against highlights

Delete column C with the time stamp
Mark the column with your measured values and the column with your markings simultaneously (as shown in the following screenshot)
4.3. Select “Insert” -> “Diagram” in the menu. -> „Diagramm“. Note: Google Sheets™ often tries to automatically create the right chart. Sometimes this works well, sometimes it doesn’t. If the diagram does not make sense, simply continue with the next steps.
Click on the diagram. A dialog box should open at the right margin. Select “Smoothed line diagram” as the diagram type. For the “series”, make sure that your measured values are selected. Your markings should be selected as “Labelling”. See also the following screenshot:

**Another diagram showing SCR and markers**

The diagrams made via Google Sheets can also be embedded via iFrame.

7. Streaming eSense data to a PC/Mac/Browser (eSense Web App, OSC)

We offer advanced users such as biofeedback trainers, therapists and coaches the ability to stream the measurement data of the eSense sensors via the eSense app to a PC as well. Thus, group courses can be realized or remote training, whereby the trainee can be in a very different place than the trainer. Even a remote supervision is easy.

All features described below are not public but available on request. In our online shop, we offer an eSense set for professional users (https://mindfield-shop.com/produkt/esense-set-exkl-sdk) , where the use of these features is included in the price. After unlocking, you can see these features in the settings in the eSense app when you scroll all the way down.

Currently, we offer you two ways to transfer data from the eSense App to the PC: our eSense Web App or the OSC Transfer. Both can even be used in parallel but usually it makes sense to use either one of them. The OSC protocol is used for fast and timely streaming and actually comes from the music industry. OSC is open-source and there are a lot of possibilities to integrate the protocol into existing software.

eSense Web App

With the eSense Web App for iOS and Android, we have also developed an eSense web app for the browser, which mirrors and supplements the eSense mobile app.

You need an account for the eSense app and one of our plans. You can analyze your recorded data in the browser (with the basic plan) or even stream it in real time to a PC (with the premium plan). With the eSense Web App you can view the measurements of several and different eSenses simultaneously and in real time.

For example as professional user you can watch and look after a group of 5 different users, each with their own eSense. Different sensors, for example an eSense Skin Response with an eSense Pulse or Temperature or Respiration, can be freely combined. The users can even be distributed around the world. They just need a smartphone, an eSense sensor, the mobile app and a booked plan. More information about the plans soon here.

**eSense Web App at a live measurement with the eSense Pulse**

As a private user, you can also benefit from the fact that you can see the graph even better with a large screen and enlarge individual areas.

You will find the eSense Web App at https://esense.live. There you can log in with the same account (username and password) as for the eSense mobile app.

OSC Transfer

OSC (https://opensoundcontrol.stanford.edu) stands for “Open Sound Control” and is an open-source network protocol developed by the University of California at Berkeley. It is widely used in the music industry because it is great for processing different signals in real time (for example, at a concert where it is important to match multiple microphones and lights in real time).

This makes this protocol particularly well suited for the data transmission of several eSenses in real time. Due to the wide distribution in the music industry, there are already some extensions and plugins which you can adjust relatively easily and use in a self-designed software. These are usually found in all common programming languages like for Android, iOS, Java, Javascript, C ++, Python and many more.

To use OSC with the eSense app, you must define the IP address of the user receiving the data. This can be a local IP address or an IP address on the internet. You can define the ports as you wish. You should pay attention to firewalls, as they like to prevent the flow of data.

You can also define a variable in the app to be able to assign different eSense. This will allow you to sort or filter the eSense (or users) and analyze it better.

The OSC transfer is aimed at programmers of (Windows or Mac) software who want to integrate the data from the eSense. The available OSC libraries in the usual programming languages make such integration very easy.

You can enable OSC Transfer in the general settings in the eSense app (see screenshot)

8. Duplicate eSense on a large screen (screen mirroring)

With the eSense app, it is possible to display the screen content of a tablet or smartphone on a larger screen, which is known as stream mirroring. This allows you to watch your biofeedback training at home on your big screen TV, for example, which can improve your training.

The following instructions can be used with all eSense devices. An adapter is always required:

Smartphone / tablet (with the eSense app) Adapter TV / projector

We generally recommend iOS devices.

Android

With Android, it only works with newer devices that have a USB-C output and a 3.5 mm jack plug. Android devices with micro USB do not work.

Our recommendation is this adapter on Amazon:

JSAUX USB C HDMI Adapter, 4K USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 auf HDMI Adapter https://amzn.to/3Use9Hp

eSense Skin Response, Temperature and Respiration: If your device no longer has a 3.5mm jack plug and you are already using a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter for the eSense, unfortunately you cannot use the USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Wireless with HDMI dongles (Miracast / Chromecast etc.)

We have had rather mixed experiences with the common HDMI dongles. There are many options, but the dongles generally require an external power supply and are rather complicated to set up.

We therefore advise against using them, but in principle it works and is an alternative if no further adapter is available in the device (because the device only has a USB-C but no longer has a 3.5mm jack plug).

iOS

You can connect a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter to the Lightning port of your iOS device and use an HDMI cable (sold separately) to connect your iOS device to a TV or projector.

In principle, this is possible with any iPhone, iPad and iPad Pro that are also compatible with our eSense app.

We expressly recommend only original Apple adapters. Others may work under certain circumstances if they have MFI certification. However, Apple could change something at any time, so we do not recommend third-party adapters, which may not be updated quickly enough and may no longer be compatible.

You can find the original Apple adapters on Amazon:

Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter https://amzn.to/3y7ndtY

Apple USB-C-Digital-AV-Multiport-Adapter https://amzn.to/3wdvoEx

eSense Skin Response, Temperature and Respiration: iOS also requires a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter for these eSense devices (this is not required for the eSense Pulse and Muscle as they connect to the smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth).

This means that if you want to use an iPad with the eSense, it should also have a 3.5mm jack connection. The iPad Mini 5 would be an example, this is slightly older, but still has the 3.5mm jack connection. For normal iPads, the 9th generation devices were the last with the 3.5mm jack connection. We recommend https://www.refurbed.de/c/ipads/ or https://www.rebuy.de/kaufen/apple-tablets to purchase these at a reasonable price.

Wireless with Airplay

We have had good experiences with AirPlay. The setup at Apple is very simple, the best solution is probably a used Apple TV from 50 euros: Apple TV 4K Gen 1 https://www.refurbed.de/p/apple-tv-4k-5th-gen/

Mini projector

There are now also relatively good mini projectors available for an acceptable price. In our experience, these are not particularly bright, but in a sufficiently dark room they are an option.

The projector only needs an HDMI input.

9. Troubleshooting connection problems

In case of Bluetooth® connection problems between the eSense Muscle and your end device, please check the following steps:

Is the eSense Muscle charged and ready to use? Is the blue LED lit? Turn the eSense Muscle off once (5s pressure on the black switch 1) and then, when the LED has gone out, turn it on again by briefly pressing switch 1. Wait approximately 15-20 seconds for the eSense Muscle to start entirely.
Is Bluetooth® Low Energy (from Bluetooth® 4.0) available on your end device? Check the technical data of your PC, smartphone and tablet.
Is Bluetooth® switched on and ready for operation?
The connection between the eSense Muscle is only established within the eSense Web App or eSense Mobile App and NOT in the Bluetooth® settings of your operating system. Please do NOT pair the eSense Muscle in the Bluetooth® settings of Windows, iOS or Android, because then no access can be made through the web app or mobile app. If you have done so, disconnect entirely.
If you still have problems with the Bluetooth® connection, please try another device to rule out general issues with your PC, smartphone, or tablet.

10. EC Declaration of Conformity

according to the following guidelines:

2014/30/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 26 February 2014
on harmonizing the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
RoHS substance bans (2011/65/EU)
WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (2002/96/EC & 2008/34/EC)

The manufacturer / Distributor / Authorized representative

Mindfield Biosystems Ltd.
Hindenburgring 4
D-48599 Gronau
Germany

WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 24465971

hereby declares that the following product:

“Mindfield® eSense Muscle”

follows the provisions of the guidelines identified above and their amendments in force at the time of the declaration.

The following harmonized standards have been applied:

DIN EN 62368-1:2016-05 Equipment for audio and video, information and communication technology – Part 1: Safety requirements

DIN EN 61326-1; VDE 0843-20-1:2013-07 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements – Part 1: General requirements (IEC 61326-1:2012); German version EN 61326-1:2013

DIN EN 61326-2-2; VDE 0843-20-2-2:2013-08 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – EMC requirements – Part 2: Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use Part 2-2: Particular requirements – Test arrangement, operating conditions and performance characteristics for the portable test, measurement and monitoring equipment for use in low-voltage power supply systems (IEC 61326-2-2:2012); German version EN 61326-2-2:2013

Place: Gronau
Date: 05. May 2021
Niko Rockensüß, Managing Director

The Mindfield eSense must be disposed of as electronic scrap in accordance with legal regulations.
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 24465971

11. Battery Information

The eSense Muscle uses an internal Lithium Polymer battery with 3.7V operating voltage. The eSense Muscle is charged with five volts via the included USB-C cable and USB charger.

You can read the current state of charge in the eSense (web) app. To save the battery, the device switches off after two minutes of inactivity; i.e., without Bluetooth® connection or recording to SD card.

Changing the battery by the user is not provided. The manufacturer can only replace the battery.

Never open the eSense Muscle. This is not provided for.
Use the included charger to charge the eSense Muscle as other chargers may damage it.
If you do not use the eSense Muscle for a more extended period, always store it in the enclosed case. Charge it fully first when you start it up again.

12. Contact

Mindfield® Biosystems Ltd. · Hindenburgring 4 · D-48599 Gronau

Tel: + 49 (0)2565 406 27 27 · Fax: + 49 (0)2565 406 27 28 · E-Mail: info@mindfield.de

If you have questions about our products or need support, please do not hesitate to contact us! To avoid inappropriate advertising and spam, we ignore messages with specific content. We therefore ask you to not write links in the contact form. If this should be necessary, please write us an email.

Please do not send unsolicited packages to us. Unfree returns will not be accepted and cannot be processed.

13. General information on EMG (electromyography) biofeedback training

The musculature of the human being plays an essential role in the body. Our muscles are the largest energy consumer and are responsible for about 70- 80% of our body weight. Muscle activity is manifested along the fibers of a striated muscle in the form of permanent, electrical potential shifts. This electrical activity can be measured at the skin surface in the form of more considerable summation potentials. This form of measurement is called (surface) electromyography, and the result is an electromyogram.

The eSense Muscle can measure and train electromyographic muscle activity and transmit it to your computer/smartphone/tablet via Bluetooth®.

Transverse striated muscles are controlled by our somatic nervous system and are subject to voluntary control. Every volitional action of a muscle can therefore be observed in an electromyogram. Thus, the tension of a muscle on 27 which surface EMG electrodes are placed immediately leads to increased trace in the EMG signal.

However, involuntary reactions, such as stress, inner tension, and emotional experience, can also be measured as (tonic) activity in the EMG. EMG biofeedback can also report back the general psychophysiological tension.

The interplay between the autonomic and somatic nervous systems can be depicted particularly well in the EMG. Increased muscle tone is mainly based on an increase in sympathetic activity. A decrease can be attributed to more robust parasympathetic activation.

14. Features of the eSense Muscle

The eSense Muscle can measure and train electromyographic muscle activity and transmit it to your computer/smartphone/tablet via Bluetooth®.

The eSense Muscle with the eSense App offers you:

Mindfield® eSense Muscle Sensor incl. 1600mAh lithium polymer battery for approx. 12 hours of continuous operation
Electrode cable set for connecting up to 5 electrodes
USB-C charging cable and charger
Bluetooth® dongle for Windows, if your PC does not have Bluetooth® (please refer to the enclosed instructions)
50 pieces of EMG surface electrodes
50 pieces of alcohol swabs for cleaning the skin
eSense Muscle Web App from Mindfield, available at www.esense-muscle.com
eSense Muscle Mobile App by Mindfield for iOS & Android
Detailed instructions for effective biofeedback training.

15. The EMG signal

With EMG, we measure a voltage curve over time. We pay attention to the amplitude (the magnitude) of the signal and the frequency. Depending on the musculature, considerable differences become plain. An EMG signal from a small muscle; e.g. from a finger on the hand, is significantly lower in amplitude and frequency range than the signal from the large thigh muscle.

The eSense Muscle can measure the EMG raw signal and transmit it via Bluetooth®, as well as already three preset bandpass signals (RMS) in the frequency ranges:

20 Hz to 950 Hz, 20 Hz to 300 Hz and 100 Hz to 200 Hz

You can select and use these in the eSense web app and the mobile app. In biofeedback, we work exclusively with these bandpass RMS signals, as these are related to amplitude and applied muscle force. The amplitude ranges from a few µV (millionths of a volt) to several hundred µV in particularly strong muscles.

The frequency range of the EMG signal does not play a significant role in EMG biofeedback. It only emphasizes the signal part you want to look at. EMG activity has a broad frequency spectrum, from 10 Hz to 500 Hz, focusing between 25 and 300 Hz. Choose a wide filter (20-950 Hz) if you want to capture and feedback all components in the EMG and choose a narrow filter (100-200 Hz) if you’re going to capture the majority and filter out possible sources of interference such as pulse artifacts or mains hum.

It is advisable to always choose the narrowest filter (100-200 Hz) first and to check whether the measured signal is represented sufficiently well with it. The filter should only be widened and set wider if the amplitude appears too small and not very reactive.

16. Introduction to eSense Muscle

To reduce stress and its vegetative symptoms, an EMG biofeedback training can be performed by causing a reducing the muscle tone of certain “stress muscles” is aimed at. Typical stress muscles are the muscles of the forehead (M.Frontali), the jaw muscles (M.Masseter) and the shoulder muscles (M. Trapezius).

Examples of possible EMG measurements:

Through exercises that involve targeted tensing and relaxing (similar to the progressive muscle relaxation) these muscles can be lowered in their basic tone and thus reduce stress.

For muscle building and strengthening individual muscles or muscle groups, a variety of possible derivations can be used. The electrodes of a channel are placed closer to each other, the more precisely the underlying muscle is recorded. With increasing distance you reach the activity of larger muscle groups. During training you, then muscle tone increase maximum values and improve endurance. For this purpose, tension phases with progressive training being prolonged and increased. Pay attention however also make sure to always incorporate sufficient rest phases.

For coordination exercises and targeted separation of muscle groups (e.g. lifting the arm without “pulling up” the shoulder), channel 1 and channel 2 can be cleverly combined. For example, channel 1 can be applied to the muscle that is to be tensed, while channel 2 can be applied to an adjacent muscle. Muscle to be tensed, while channel 2 “monitors” an adjacent muscle so that is not tensed during the movement. Each muscle movement generates a characteristic pattern under an EMG measurement, which is pattern, which can be practiced and repeated in the software.

The possibilities of using EMG biofeedback are very diverse. Let a professional user assist you in this regard if you have any questions. Important: If you are suffering from a medical condition, do not perform a treatment on your own and always consult a therapist. The eSense Muscle is not a medical device and may be used exclusively for stress reduction, muscle building, relaxation of tension and for coordination exercises to be used!

17. Operating instructions for the eSense Muscle

Contents of the packaging:

eSense Muscle sensor unit (with colored eSense Muscle logo)
Mindfield® eSense Muscle Sensor incl. 1600mAh lithium polymer battery for approx. 12 hours of continuous operation
Electrode cable set for connecting up to 5 electrodes
USB-C charging cable and charger
Bluetooth® dongle for PCs that do not have Bluetooth® (please refer to the enclosed instructions)
50 pieces of EMG surface electrodes
50 pieces of alcohol swabs for cleaning the skin

Please remove all products from the packaging.
Recharging: Please fully charge the eSense Muscle before use. To do this, use the included USB-C cable and the charger.Then press once briefly on the black switch 1 on the top of the eSense Muscle. Then the LED should light up red. Charge the eSense Muscle until the LED turns green or goes out.
After the eSense Muscle is fully charged, you can start using it for the first time. A full charge can take up to five hours. During an ongoing charging process, the eSense Muscle cannot be used for measurement for safety reasons. If you plug in the charger during a running measurement, the running operation is terminated and the device switches to the charging mode.
Apply the electrode cables and electrodes:

Remove the electrode cable set from the package. There are five electrode cables included: black, white, yellow, red and green.

The yellow electrode cable is the ground electrode!

For a 1-channel measurement, please use the electrodes black (channel 1+), white (channel 1-) and yellow (ground).

For a 2-channel measurement, please use the electrodes black (channel 1+), white (channel 1-), yellow (ground), red (channel 2+) and green (channel 2-).

Two examples of a one-channel measurement:

An example of a two-channel measurement:

Clean the skin areas where you want to place the electrodes with the enclosed alcohol swabs or isopropyl alcohol.
Take the appropriate number of EMG surface electrodes from the enclosed package. Clip the electrodes to the cable ends before placing them on cleansed skin.
Remove the protective film from the electrodes and stick them to the skin. If you have not already done so, plug the electrode cables into the matching colored sockets on the eSense Muscle.
Necessary: close the package of the EMG surface electrodes airtight again! Otherwise, they will dry out in a short time and stop providing correct values.
Now the eSense Muscle is ready for use and connected to the eSense (web) app. For more information, please refer to the corresponding chapter.

18. Procedures

A procedure consists of different modules. The procedures can be used, for example, to implement instructions for relaxation, a stress test, a defined biofeedback training session or tasks for research purposes.

The possibilities are manifold. During a procedure, your this electromyographic activity is recorded. At the end of a procedure, a summary is displayed, showing your readings for each module and the overall view.

**Overview after a procedure (in this example a 2 channel measurement with the oscilloscope module)**

We recommend that you try the demo procedures included in the app. These give you a guided overview of the different modules and functions.

The included procedures are also protected by a password in order that those can’t be edited or deleted by accident. You can any time create a copy of those procedures without a password and change it as you wish.

We also explain in detail how you can create and edit your own procedures in the chapter procedures settings.

19. Open Training

As a second option, you can also do free training. This differs from the procedures in that it is a little more complex. In the following we give you a few examples of how EMG biofeedback training with the eSense Muscle could look in different applications.

Please consider this only as a rough guide. There are a variety of options, this is just a brief overview. There is a lot of literature on the subject of EMG biofeedback, which gives further assistance on how to proceed.

Preparation and start

Follow the first steps of preparation from the previous chapter and select a free workout in the selection screen after starting the app. Then switch to the settings and connect the eSense Muscle there. Select the channel and filter you want. Go back to free practice.
Now start a free measurement (just press “Start” in the main screen) and take a first look at the measured values of your muscle signal. Let your muscles loose and try to tense them as much as possible. You should see a suitable response on the curve.
In order to achieve optimal comparability of sessions, you can define the time for a measurement in the settings of the eSense app and limit it to a value, e.g. 10 minutes. The measurement then stops automatically after this time has elapsed. In the standard setting of the eSense app, the measurement time for the eSense Muscle is a maximum of 30 minutes. If you want to exercise longer, you will need to split the exercise into two or more recordings. It is advisable to set a time after the first experiments and to set it in the settings, which corresponds to the desired, regular training duration. In this way you will receive an optimal evaluation and comparability of your training sessions later.
The choice of channels and filter settings is also essential for comparing measurements with one another. Obviously, you can only compare measurements with the same number of channels and the same filter settings. Test the available filter settings once and look for the filter that best represents the muscle signal. First choose the narrowest filter and only switch to a wider filter if you have the impression that the signal is only partially and inadequately displayed. Experimenting with the filters is useful and helpful in order to get an assessment of the muscle signal.
The filters have a further meaning when it comes to the assessment of the muscle signal with regard to the so-called “slow twich” and “fast twich” muscle fibers. While the fast fibers are responsible for strong and fast movements and their activity is mainly between 100-200 Hz, the slow fibers ensure that a basic muscular tension is maintained. The slow fibers are also more persistent and react to physical and emotional stress. Their frequency maximum is below 80 Hz and can be better captured with the 20-300 Hz filter. More on this in the following sections.

Usual applications, for example muscle building training

In this example, the goal is to gradually increase electrical muscle activity and thus its muscle contraction force. Both the maximum achievable level of the amplitude (the strength of the tension) and the duration over which this can be maintained play a role.
A reduction in strength or a disorder of fine motor skills can be positively influenced by biofeedback EMG muscle building training. The special feature here is the fine resolution of the measurement, i.e. even minimal muscle activity can be measured and made visible. Under certain circumstances, this can be a tension that is only visible in a slight increase in the measurement curve, not in a visible movement of the measured muscle.
The activity of the muscles can be increased bit by bit through targeted training. It is assumed that biofeedback training promotes the facilitation of neurophysiological reorganization processes.
In this example, 2-channel leads are often used. For example, if the left arm is weaker than the right arm, the 1st channel can be placed on the left arm and the 2nd channel on the right arm, on the same muscle. This allows the measured values of both arms to be compared with each other and a training goal can be to train the left arm to the same strength as the right arm. The side comparison is helpful in many situations. One canal can also be increased while the other canal should remain calm, i.e. one muscle should be tensed while the other muscle should NOT be specifically tensed.
The training of building and strengthening muscles can also be combined with aids such as sports equipment, dumbbells, etc. in order to achieve an additional training effect. The biofeedback measurement helps to measure the progress and to present a clear comparison of the measurements. As always, make sure that the electrodes, the filters and the training duration are positioned exactly the same and repeatedly.

Common uses, for example muscle relaxation

There are different levels of application in the field of muscle relaxation / muscle relaxation:
1. To support psycho-education / self-awareness, e.g. to show how muscles react to stimuli such as negative thoughts, certain postures and certain everyday situations. Also to gain a conviction of control that control over the muscles can be exercised and observed.

Place the electrodes either directly on the muscles that you want to reduce tension or where you suspect increased tension. With relieving postures, increased muscle tension can occur in a completely different place, for example, because muscles are tensed there in order to spare other muscles.
Start the measurement and observe your measured values for a while. You can see your muscle activity in the form of a curve or bar. On the main screen of the app in portrait format, you can see the amplitude in the form of a bar. This is the most direct form of presentation. In landscape format you can see the muscle tension as a curve and numerical values.

Two images of the muscle tension bar in portrait format and the muscle signal curve in landscape format.

As an exemplary exercise, you can try to tense your muscles and then loosen them up as best you can. Repeat this a few times. While doing this, observe the measured values and see whether you are able to lower the measured value even further than at the beginning of the measurement. You can also have another person massage your tense muscles and see the effects that a relaxation massage has on the muscles. This is also often clearly visible in tense muscles.
Try how different postures (sitting, standing, lying) affect the muscles. For example, sitting and working at a desk can often be accompanied by poor posture that has negative effects on the muscles. Note that increased muscle tension does not always show when you measure with the eSense Muscle in a comfortable position, but sometimes only under certain problematic conditions, which you can then integrate into the measurement.
Practice tension and relaxation using the contraction aid. You can activate the contraction aid in the settings of the app; it is not activated by default. Activate this and start exercising at a usual frequency. Adjust the frequency according to your wishes and switch to landscape format during free training, where you can change the view by “swiping” and get to the oscilloscope + contraction aid. Practice the tension and relaxation phases for a few minutes and observe the curve and values.

5 seconds to tense, hold for 2.5s and 5 seconds to relax, let loose for 2.5s (= 4 contractions per minute)

Train with the help of the various biofeedback functions that the app offers you. In landscape format you have the contraction aid as a line and sphere. You have a freely selectable video, which changes in many ways to match the muscle tension. Use music and tones, which you can activate in the settings. The individual feedback functions are all described in more detail in the corresponding chapter of the app.
Use the procedures provided! This enables you to get to know the various functions of the app even better and to carry out standardized training. If you like, you can create your own, individual procedure with your favorite feedback variants.

Usual applications, example stress test

Under certain circumstances, it makes sense to work more specifically with stress stimuli in order to train how to cope with stress. EMG biofeedback is well suited for the use of targeted provocation methods, as it shows a prompt and sensitive reaction to a stimulus, and this reaction is often proportional to the strength and significance of the stimulus.
Start the measurement and observe your measured values for a while. Then try to relax. The training begins with a rest period of a few minutes.
Now a stressor (stress stimulus) is to be used in a targeted manner. Examples are: negative thoughts, looking at emotionally charged images or objects as well as unpleasant noises. Tasks such as mental arithmetic, simulating an exam or uncomfortable situation over a certain period of time are also good stressors. As a rule, everyone knows things that cause tension and excitement. For example, if you are reluctant to speak in front of large crowds, try giving a speech spontaneously or trying to imagine the situation. If you are exposed to such a stressor, watch the readings and you will likely see an increase in muscle tension and a persistence at a higher level. Then try to let the curve drop again, loosen the muscles in a targeted manner and get back to a low starting level.
Within a training session you can alternate the phases of relaxation and stressors, about three to four times. Always end a session with a rest phase and do not overwhelm yourself. Do several training sessions, spread out over a longer period of time, until you feel like you are reacting less severely to stressors or recovering more quickly.

20. Cleaning and Care

For cleaning and care, there are the following essential tips:

Do not drop or use force on the eSense Muscle.
Avoid exposing the eSense Muscle to hot temperatures or sunlight.
If the eSense Muscle is stored near freezing, allow it to warm to room temperature before subsequent use.
Do not try to open the housing of the eSense Muscle.
Avoid dirt getting into the connection sockets.
If you do not use the eSense Muscle for a long time, you must fully charge it before using it again.
The enclosed EMG surface electrodes are disposable and should not be reused.

21. Notes before starting the eSense Mobile App

The Pro Edition of the eSense Muscle includes the eSense Mobile App.

It offers a wealth of features for effective biofeedback training in a modern design.

The app is available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish, Dutch, Japanese and Chinese. The language is chosen automatically according to the set language of the smartphone or tablet.

In the following course of the manual we will now go into the use of the mobile app. For an explanation of the use of the web app, please watch the videos at www.mindfield-esense.com.

Many of the instructions on how to proceed are congruent between the mobile app and the web app. Therefore, please always make yourself fully familiar with this manual, it conveys a lot of knowledge for a successful use of the eSense Muscle, regardless of the software application.

Download Links

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mindfield-esense/id1141032160?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindfield.boisystem.esense

22. Preparation and start of the eSense Mobile App

Create the conditions needed for a successful training:

find a quiet room (mobile phone etc. switched off)
appropriate temperature of 20-22° C (68-72° F)
convenient seating
comfortable clothing

Strong physical activity before measurement should be avoided. In order to obtain comparable measurements, you should always train under the same conditions .

The number of sessions required for reliable success is relatively small compared to other biofeedback training sessions. Usually, six to ten sessions are sufficient. As far as the duration of a session is concerned, it depends on your ability to concentrate, but should not exceed 30 minutes. If you are experiencing severe fatigue, the training should be shorter and a higher number of sessions should be done.

The next step is to start the app. Home Screens

First tap on the logo of the eSense you want to use (here eSense Muscle) and then choose between procedures or free training.

At the beginning you can choose between a free training and a procedure. We recommend that you start with a procedure

23. General notes

If the text on your Android device is sometimes cut off the reason can be a larger font in the system settings (especially for Huawei). In the Android settings, there is usually a way to adjust the font size and display size. It’s best to set this to “standard” or “default”, otherwise it can cause problems with app.
For data files which you can load as own media into the eSense App, the general limitations by Android and iOS apply. We have successfully tested the following:
- Images: PNG and JPG (GIF can be loaded but isn’t animated)
- Audio: MP3, WMA and WAV (Android) and MP3, WAV and AAC (iOS)
- Videos: MOV, MP4, AVI and 3GP (Android) and MOV, MP4 and M4V (iOS)
- If your audios or videos are in other formats, you can easily convert the files on your PC. To do this, use a free tool like Any Video Converter: .
- Another tip: You can also directly download videos from Youtube and format them to the right format (MP4) with tools like .

In following the app is described in full details.

24. General view & Open Training

Portrait

Measurement duration
Current measurement value channel 1
Current measurement value channel 2
Indicator of an active signal
Zoom for the scale
Current measurement value channel 2
Stop of the recording
Pause of the recording
Open Training
Procedures
Archive
Help
Settings

Landscape

Maximum value channel 1
Maximum value channel 2
Minimum value channel 1
Minimum value channel 2
Swipe the screen to the left or right to switch between this main view and the other views. After the measurement, you can also switch to the pie charts.
Set marker

25. Contraction Helper

You can activate the contraction aid in the general settings. Tension and relax your muscle as the sphere expand. With growing sphere tension, with shrinking sphere relax.

26. Survey (optional)

If you have activated this option in the general settings, a small survey will appear immediately after each measurement. This allows you to archive measurements that are reproducible in the long term or to document a change in your measurements. (If you for example start to use the eSense while lying down instead of sitting down).

Your position during measurement
Choose between sitting, the “tailor’s seat” or yoga seat, standing or lying down.

How do you feel?
Here you can indicate your state of mind after the session. This gives you the opportunity to record your mood together with the measurement results over the long term.

Note function, optional
Here you can add a note to the measurement in the free text field. We recommend that you write down any special circumstances so that you can still classify measurements with a lot of stress or relaxation later.

27. Analysis (after the measurement)

After the measurement (and optional questioning), in landscape format, a screen appears with an analysis: the measurement duration, the filter used, the refresh interval and the lost packets in percent. In addition, the minimum and maximum values of the channel(s) are displayed.

At this point, you can also swipe the screen to the left or right to switch between the analysis and the graph of the measurement.

**Analysis and overview after a measurement with 2 channels**

28. Procedure Overview

Edit or delete procedure

To edit a procedure, simply swipe it to the left in the overview.

You can then tap the blue pen-symbol to edit the module.

If you want to copy the procedure, tap on the green copy-symbol. By touching the red trash symbol, you can delete the module.

29. Procedure editor

Procedure name
Here you can name your procedure with a suitable name (in this example, it is simply “test”).

Password (optional)
If you wish, you can protect your procedure with a password.

Decimal separator
Here you can activate/deactivate the survey (position, mood, notes) after each measurement.

Survey after recording
Here you can activate/deactivate the survey (position, mood, notes) after each measurement.

30. Add new module

In the procedure editor, select the “Modules” tab.

Add module to procedure
Click on this button to add another module.

Edit module
Move the module to the left and tap the blue pencil icon to name the module.
To edit a module, tap the gray pencil icon.
To delete a module, tap the red recycle bin icon.
To duplicate a module within the procedure, click on the yellow sharing icon.
To duplicate a module in another procedure, click on the black sharing icon and select the procedure from the following pop-up.

Module Type
You can choose between a text, a fixation cross, an image, a video, an audio file, an arrow, a bar graph, a smart bulb, an oscilloscope, a breath pacer or the biofeedback snake.

Module duration
Set how long the module shall last. To do this, simply move the slider to the left or right.

module color
Determine the color of the module in the procedure editor.

31. Overview of the modules

**Text module**
This module shows a text which you can edit.

**Picture module**
The picture module shows either a standard picture from the app or a picture from your gallery.

**Video module**
In the video module, you can choose either the standard video from the app or use your own video.

**Fixation cross module**
The cross changes its color depending on the conductance and provides direct biofeedback.

**Audio module**
The audio module is playing a relaxing song. You can choose your own music.

**Arrow module**
The arrow changes depending on relaxation and gives you direct biofeedback.

**Bar graph module**
The bar graph shows you your current value and gives you direct biofeedback.

**Picture module in landscape format**
The procedures can be displayed also in landscape format.

Breath Pacer module in landscape format
The bar indicates the breathing rhythm. When the bar goes up, inhale. As the bar goes down, exhale. You can also set holding phases between inhaling and exhaling.

Osciloscope Type Breath curve (Sphere)
The circle leads the breathing rhythm. When he expands, inhale. When the blue circle contracts, breathe out. You can also set holding phases between inhaling and exhaling.

Osciloscope Type Both
This is a combination of the graph to the left and the breathing aid to the right \. You can see the measured values while following the breathing aid.

Biofeedback Snake The Biofeedback Snake is also available as module.

Procedure in the archive
The colored background represents the SRC per minute (green = relaxed state / little SCR, yellow = excited state / medium SCR)

32. Creation of a procedure

1. Tap on the plus icon to create a new procedure.

2. Give the procedure a name (here “Example Procedure”).
You can simply accept all other default settings for this example.

3. Select the upper tab “Module” and tap on the button “Add module”.

4. Select a bar graph module and tap the check mark. Here, too, you can accept the default settings.

5. Then add an Oscilloscope and breath pacer module Here, too, you can accept the default settings.

6. Your procedure should now look like this.

7. If you want to change something at a later date on one of the modules, you can swipe the corresponding module to the left and tap on the blue pencil symbol. Otherwise you can now tap the tick at the top right.

8. Start the procedure by tapping the play button. Have fun!

33. Own media (photos, videos and audios)

You can use your own pictures in the picture module, your own videos in the video module or your own music or melodies in the audio module in the procedures.

Android usually enables this without any further problems. As long as you allow the eSense app to access your files on your device, you can upload them to the eSense app.

iOS is a bit more restrictive. As usual, you can use your pictures from your device in the iCloud for pictures and videos.

For audio files you need iTunes (or an alternative such as “CopyTrans Manager”). This is where your music or melody must be. You can find your music in iTunes (or CopyTrans Manager) under the tab “My Sound” and insert it into your procedures.

We have a detailed video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_CRbmBeBBc where we show all the steps.

On iOS the power saving mode must also be deactivated, otherwise the videos in the procedures cannot be played.

34. General settings

eSense Pulse Connection
Select the eSense Pulse you want to connect. You must perform this step before you can perform a measurement. With the connection test, you can test the connection and see the battery status.

Feedback direction
Select the direction in which you want the feedback to react to. It can respond either to an increase or decrease in the measured values.

Response time
The default setting is “Short,” which allows feedback to respond quickly to changes in readings. For longer measurements, we recommend “Medium” or “Long,” then the reaction time will be slightly delayed and the eSense will no longer react to every small change in the measured values.

Music Feedback
If the value moves in the unwanted direction (e.g. lower values), the music will become quieter or change its speed depending on the type of feedback you choose.

Music preview
Tap the Play button to listen to the selected song.

Choose Music
You can use the default or your own music.

Music feedback type
You can optionally choose between music start/stop, volume feedback or playback rate feedback. Note: For iOS are the options restricted.

Tone Feedback
In the background, you can hear sounds from other apps.

Choose tone type
You can choose between single or continuous tones.

Tactile Feedback
Your device will vibrate to provide feedback. Only smartphones support this feature, tablets do not have a vibration motor.

Tactile feedback direction
Decide whether decreasing (“Decrease”) or increasing (“Increase”) tactile feedback values should be considered a success.

Smart bulb feedback
The light bulb changes its color depending on the values.

Choose a bulb
Choose between Magic Blue, Magic Blue V2 or Phillips Hue.Connection test
With this option, the bulb changes color if the connection is successful.

Breath Pacer
If activated, a breathing aid is displayed during the measurement.

Use eSense Respiration
You can also measure your breathing at the same time as the eSense Respiration.

Breath pacer type
You can choose between line and sphere.

Enable audio tone
Tones can also be added as auditory breathing aids.

Inhale time / exhale time
Select the seconds for each inhalation breath and exhalation breath to display the breathing aid.
Hold before inhale / exhale
Select the seconds between inhalation and exhalation breaths.

background image
You can choose a background image for the breathing aid.

Inhale color / exhale color
Select the color for each inhalation and exhalation stroke of the bar or ball.

Video
Choice: In the dropdown menu, you can select from included videos and “Select your own video”. You can select your own videos from your device.

Video Feedback Type
Effects can be applied to the video as feedback. Sie können zwischen Start/Stop, Schärfe, Helligkeit und Sättigung wählen. You can choose between Start/Stop, Sharpness, Brightness and Saturation. In addition, the automatic or manual mode for selecting the upper and lower limits is then available for sharpness, brightness, and saturation. In between is then interpolated. “No feedback” is also possible, then the video is simply played.

General:

Session name
Enter the name of your session which will be displayed in the archive here.

Session time length
You can automatically time-limit normal measurements. They stop automatically after the set time.

Time length X-Axis
You can set the time displayed on the X-axis of the oscilloscope. We recommend 90 seconds.

Decimal separator
You can choose between comma or dot.

Survey after recording
Here you can activate/deactivate the survey (position, electrode type, mood, notes) after each measurement.

Markers
You can define markers by tapping the button. These are the markers you can set during a measurement. (See also ‘Set Marker’ in Landscape mode of the general view above).

Show tutorial
You can watch the tutorial again at any time from the first start of the app.

FFT resolution
Selectable are 128 samples, 256 and 512. By default, 256 is selected. The eSense Pulse has a 5 Hz sample rate, so 256 samples are about 52 seconds of data.

Window function for FFT
You can choose between Welch and Hanning, two common window functions, see Wikipedia for more details.

Chart settings
You can change the colors of the graph and the oscilloscope in the general view.

Chart axis color
You can change the color of the chart axis in the main view.

Chart line color
You can change the color of the chart line in the main view.

Oscilloscope background 1&2
You can change the background color of the oscilloscope in the main view.

Smoothing of oscilloscope curve
You can adjust the smoothing of the curve in the oscilloscope between 1 (hardly) and 10 (very strong).

Reset to standard colors
You can restore the default colors for the graph at any time.

Arrow raise / lower color
You can also disable the arrow in the main view.Show arrow
You can also disable the arrow in the main view.

Backup & Restore
You can export and import your procedures and measurements. More about this in our FAQ

Demo Mode
A saved measurement is played back automatically. A real sensor is not needed.

Real time streaming to eSense Web App
This allows you to stream the data live to the eSense Web App. More information in the Account and Cloud section.

35. In App Purchases

In-App Purchases
Additional to the option to use your own music or videos in the eSense App you can also purchase additional music or videos. We regularly extend the offer.

36. Archive (overview)

The app also contains an archive, in which you can save your measurements and export them as well. You can watch those in detail again, compare them to each other and export them individual or all together (as ZIP file).

Recordings
Here you can see your measurements listed. You can view a single measurement by tapping on it.

If you click on the clipboard symbol at the top right, you can mark one, several or all measurements. You can then export, analyze or delete the exported measurement (s).

On the filter symbol you can choose whether you want to sort the measurements by name, date, length in ascending or descending order.

If you want to delete a single measurement from this list, you can also tap on the trash can symbol to the right of the measurement.

Analyze
Here all measurements are listed according to the following factors:

Time, score, average of session HR, minimum HR, maximum HR, difference min/max HR, SDNN ms, RMSSD ms, NN50, pNN50 %, stress index, average RR ms, Average HR.

With this, you can recognize trends over time and over several measurements (if, for example, your % of SCR of Session decreases by regular training, you can see this here immediately).

37. Archive (single view)

Export data

Thanks to our export functions at the bottom of a recording, you can export the recordings in PDF or .csv format with all common apps (e.g. send via Messenger, WhatsApp, e-mail, etc.) or simply save them on your phone or in your cloud.

The data are exported as a.csv-file (comma separated values). This format can be opened with Microsoft Excel or Open Office Calc (for free).

If you like to work with Google, Google Sheets can be an alternative to Excel for you. You can open your exported .csv-files, visualize and access them via the cloud easily from several devices. Google Sheets has almost the same functions and interface as Excel.

Note: We have also summarized more detailed information on CSV export and processing your data in an extra article on streaming and analyzing eSense data.

In Excel™ or Google Sheets™

Notice: If you open the .csv-file with Excel™ (or Google Sheets™) and your values make no sense, then there is usually a different set language in the eSense App and Excel™ and Sheets™.

Note: We have also summarized more detailed information on CSV export and processing your data in an extra article on streaming and analyzing eSense data.

38. Marker feature

You can also set markers while you make measurements. For example, if you have a regular biofeedback exercise which involves breathing calmly at a specific point, you can set a marker in that moment when you breathe calmly. Later in the exported data, you can see the moment where you had breathed calmly. The marker feature comes in handy when you are making longer measurements with several actions.

The markers can be displayed well in Excel:

**Exported measurement in Excel with markers**

39. Virtual Reality (VR) (f.i. Meta Quest 3)

All our eSense sensors and our eSense app also work with VR (virtual reality) glasses. The prerequisite for this is a USB-C adapter (our recommendation: https://amzn.to/40eCoLR), which we now recommend anyway and which you can also order directly from us in the store with an eSense.

The eSense app can be used as normal, with all its functions. After the one-time setup with SideQuest, no further special adjustments need to be made.

In particular, the graph of the measurement as well as the photos and videos of the biofeedback training can be viewed in impressive detail with the VR glasses.

We have created a video that shows the best way to use it:

40. Compatible Android and iOS devices

General

Note for all eSense:
We recommend using a tablet instead of a smartphone due to the better display.

If you don’t have a device yet and/or want to buy an extra device for the eSense, we recommend depending on your taste either

a Nokia G10 (https://amzn.to/3dg9Qx5), a Nokia G21 (https://amzn.to/3Qso3Fv), a Motorola Moto E40 (https://amzn.to/3bBl0fg), a Samsung Galaxy A13 (https://amzn.to/3JuDE5x), a Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (https://amzn.to/3Z2NIIP) or a Xiaomi Redmi 10 (https://amzn.to/3TF2EvY) as a cheap entry-level device if you prefer Android

a used iPad in good condition (from bsw. https://www.refurbed.de/c/ipads/ or https://www.rebuy.de/kaufen/apple-tablets) if you prefer iOS.

According to our research, these options offer enough power for the eSense app, will remain upgradeable to the upcoming Android and iOS versions for some time, and are still reasonably priced. The Android devices also still have a normal 3.5mm jack input and do not require an adapter for the eSense.

Starting from the iPad 10th generation (2022), the iPad Pro 3rd generation (2018), the iPad Air 4th generation (2020), and the iPad mini 6th generation (2021), iPads no longer have a 3.5mm headphone jack. From these models onward, you will need an adapter for the eSense. More information can be found in the general notice below under iOS.

iOS devices compatible with the eSense

All iOS devices from version 15 or higher, which are (in excerpts):
Apple® iPhone® 6S, iPhone® SE/SE 2, iPhone® 7/7+, iPhone® 8/8+, iPhone® X, iPhone® XR, iPhone® XS, iPhone® 11/11 Pro, iPhone® 12/12 Pro, iPhone® 13/13 Pro, iPhone® 14/14 Pro, iPhone® 15/15 Pro
Apple® iPad® 5th generation or newer, including all iPad Mini from 4th generation and iPad Air from 2nd generation or newer
Apple® iPad® Pro from 1st generation or newer

General note:
Some newer iOS devices without the classic 3.5mm headphone jack, but with a Lightning or USB-C port, also work perfectly with the eSense. For this, you’ll need either the original Apple USB-C adapter (https://amzn.to/41zD2Gd) or the original Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter (https://www.mediamarkt.de/de/product/_apple-mmx62zm-a-2179668.html) – which is optionally included with the eSense.

Alternatively, you can use any other adapter with a DAC chip. We recommend this adapter on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SnAUA1.

We tested 11 alternative Lightning adapters from third-party vendors – only two of them worked. Therefore, we recommend either the original Apple Lightning adapter (https://www.mediamarkt.de/de/product/_apple-mmx62zm-a-2179668.html) or this compatible Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter, which we have successfully used with the eSense and also offer in our shop: Compatible Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter https://mindfield-shop.com/en/product/compatible-apple-lightning-to-3-5mm-adapter.

Additional note Siri:
Please note that Siri must NOT be activated if you want to perform a measurement with the eSense (this applies to all eSense sensors). A running measurement can otherwise be disturbed and your measurement values falsified. You must disable Siri YOURSELF (our app cannot do this automatically due to Apple’s settings).
To disable Siri go to Settings -> (General ->) Siri and disable Siri (exact steps may vary depending on iOS version).

Note for iOS devices and the eSense Pulse:
Your iOS device must support Bluetooth® 4.0 LE (sometimes referred to as Bluetooth® Low Energy or BLE ), which is supported from iOS 5 and up.

Note for iOS 7 and later and the eSense Respiration, Skin Response, and Temperature:
The eSense works through the microphone input. For iOS 7 and above, you must explicitly allow the eSense app to use the microphone input, otherwise the eSense will not work. During the installation you will be asked for this, you have to answer there with “Yes” or “Allow”. After installation, you can set this manually. Allow access to the microphone input in the system settings of your iOS device under Settings -> Privacy -> Microphone

**Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter (is included with every Apple device,**
**which no longer has a 3.5mm headphone jack, e.g. the iPhone X)**

Android devices that are compatible with the eSense

All Android smartphones and tablets running Android 10.0 or later (Android Q)
If you plan to purchase a device specifically for use with the eSense, then we recommend a Nokia G10 (https://amzn.to/3dg9Qx5), a Nokia G21 (https://amzn.to/3Qso3Fv), a Motorola Moto E40 (https://amzn.to/3bBl0fg), a Samsung Galaxy A13 (https://amzn.to/3JuDE5x), a Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (https://amzn.to/3Z2NIIP) or a Xiaomi Redmi 10 (https://amzn.to/3TF2EvY) as an inexpensive entry-level device.

Important note about Android devices for the eSense Pulse:
Your Android device must support Bluetooth® 4.0 LE (sometimes called Bluetooth® Low Energy or BLE ), which is supported from Android version 4.3 (mid-2013). But we recommend Android version 4.4 and higher anyway. Therefore, the eSense Pulse generally works with most current Android devices.

Important note about Android devices for the eSense Respiration, Skin Response and Temperature:
Your Android device needs a 3.5 mm connector (standard headphones) for external headsets/microphones. On most devices this is present and often integrated with the headphone jack. If no such microphone input is present, such as on the Google Nexus 7, you cannot use the eSense! (All iOS devices listed above have the port).

Alternatively, you can use any other adapter with a DAC chip. We recommend this adapter on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SnAUA1.

Below are some Android devices that we have tested with the eSense Pulse, Respiration, Skin Response and Temperature and which work fine (whitelist). (Please note that this is only a very small sample and that the vast majority of devices worldwide work with the Mindfield eSense).

Google Pixel 2 (Smartphone)
Samsung Galaxy A13 (https://amzn.to/3JuDE5x) (Smartphone, our recommendation)
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (https://amzn.to/3Z2NIIP) (Smartphone, our recommendation)
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Smartphone)
Motorola Moto E40 (https://amzn.to/3bBl0fg) (Smartphone, our recommendation)
Nokia G10 (https://amzn.to/3dg9Qx5) (smartphone, our recommendation)
Nokia G21 (https://amzn.to/3Qso3Fv) (smartphone, our recommendation)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (https://amzn.to/3TF2EvY) (smartphone, our recommendation)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11s (smartphone)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (tablet)
TECLAST M50 (https://amzn.to/464c0pr) (tablet, low price but needs the USB-C-to-3.5-mm jack adapter: https://amzn.to/2SnAUA1)

The following Android devices are NOT compatible with eSense Respiration, Skin Response and Temperature (blacklist). This list is not necessarily exhaustive. If you are not sure if your device is compatible, check if the microphone input is present as described above!

All tablets from Lenovo (For the eSense Skin Response, Temperature and Respiration. The microphone input distorts the signal from the eSense. With the eSense Pulse they work)
Samsung Galaxy A40 (Problems with the signal level of the eSense Skin Response and Temperature. Only the Respiration works. Pulse also works because it does not require a 3.5mm jack)

It is possible that these devices will work after all if you use the devices’ USB-C port instead. You can use a USB-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter for this purpose: https://amzn.to/2SnAUA1.

41. eSense Muscle Web App (recommended)

Desktop Devices (Windows, Mac, Linux) (recommended)

For the first time, the eSense Muscle comes with new software—a web app that runs exclusively in a web browser.

You do not need to install any software. All you need is:

A PC or notebook with Windows 10, Mac or Linux.
A working Bluetooth® connection in this PC or notebook
A web browser that supports “Web Bluetooth®” so you can connect to our eSense Muscle via Bluetooth®. As of April 2021, these are:
- Google Chrome

We recommend that you use the latest version of Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox and Apple’s Safari are NOT SUPPORTED!

So, if you have a computer with Bluetooth® and one of the mentioned browsers, please go to the website:

https://esense-muscle.com

You can then launch the web application on this web page and get further instructions on how to use it (please watch the instruction video). You then connect directly to the (switched on) eSense Muscle via Bluetooth® in your web browser.You are offered different representations of the measurement (oscilloscope, different animations, different games, etc.) We update the eSense Muscle Web App regularly.

You are offered different representations of the measurement (oscilloscope, different animations, different games, etc.)

We update the eSense Muscle Web App regularly.

Mindfield eSense Web App for mobile devices (Android or iOS)

For the first time, the eSense Muscle comes with new software—a web app that runs exclusively in a web browser. This is also usable for mobile devices, but we recommend using the Mindfield eSense Mobile App once it supports the eSense Muscle.

To use the web app on mobile devices (smartphones or tablets), you need:

A smartphone or tablet with iOS (version 15 or higher) or Android (version 10.0 or higher) and Bluetooth® 4.0 or higher.
A working Bluetooth® function that is turned on.
A web browser that supports “Web Bluetooth®” so that you can connect to our eSense Muscle via Bluetooth®.

On Android, you need to use “Google Chrome” for this.

On iOS, Web Bluetooth® is not supported by Safari. You need to download the app “eSense Muscle” from the Apple App Store, a minimal browser that supports Web Bluetooth®. It will take you directly to our website after the start:

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/esense-muscle/id1563762101

If you are using Google Chrome on Android or the “eSense Muscle” app on iOS, please navigate to:

https://esense-muscle.com

You can then launch the web application on this web page and get further instructions on how to use it (please watch the instruction video). You will then connect directly to the (switched on) eSense Muscle via Bluetooth® in your Chrome browser on Android or the “eSense Muscle” browser app on iOS.

You are offered different representations of the measurement (oscilloscope, different animations, different games, etc.).

We update the eSense Muscle Web App regularly.

We recommend using the desktop version of the eSense Web App with a desktop PC, notebook with Windows, Mac or Linux. The mobile version of the web app comes with reduced content due to technical reasons.

42. Account and Cloud

You can register your own, free account for the eSense app and book plans. You can also benefit from free, regularly added procedures without booking a plan. Thus, we recommend using the app with an account. With the plans you can mainly use the cloud and its functions and get also access to the eSense web app at https://esense.live.

With the Basic Plan, you can save your measurements locally and online in the cloud and thus access your measurements from all devices and from anywhere. You also get access to the eSense web app.

The Premium Plan includes all functions of the Basis Plan. In addition to your measurements, you can also save your custom procedures online in the cloud and thus access your procedures from all devices. (Attention: Technical limitations from Apple unfortunately do not allow the upload (and thus the synchronization) of audio files. The synchronization of picture and video files is possible, however). You can buy the Premium Plan here: https://mindfield-shop.com/en/product/premium-plan-for-esense-app-for-all-esense-sensors-annually/

There is also the Supervisor Plan. As a professional or commercial biofeedback trainer, you can use it to create individual procedures for your clients and share them with them via the cloud. You can buy the Supervisor Plan here: https://mindfield-shop.com/en/product/esense-supervisor-account-monthly-subscription-for-esense-app-and-esense-live

You can also share your measurements with other users. You also have the option of transferring your data to the eSense web app in real time. To do this, activate “Real-time data transfer to eSense Web App” at the bottom of the settings.

These plans can be used, among other things, to design a trainer’s client’s workflow. You can find an overview of the account and the cloud in our account comparison article.

You can book the plans in our app in the profile tab:

43. Account Comparison

Note: Scroll the table left or right on mobile devices

ACCOUNT TYPE:	SUPERVISOR	PREMIUM PLAN	BASIS PLAN	WITHOUT PLAN
Download of a procedure from the cloud	✅	✅	✅	✅
Upload of a procedure to the cloud	✅	✅ ₁₎	❌	❌
Upload of a measurement to the cloud	✅	✅	✅	❌
Upload of a procedure (as record) to the cloud	✅	✅	✅	❌
Sharing of a procedure (over the cloud)	✅₂₎	❌	❌	❌
Sharing of a procedure (as record)	✅ ₃₎	✅ ₃₎	❌	❌
Sharing of a measurement (as record)	✅ ₃₎	✅ ₃₎	❌	❌
Join a group	✅	✅	✅	✅
Create a group	✅	❌	❌	❌
Add other users to a group	✅	❌	❌	❌
Stream data to the eSense dashboard	✅	✅	❌	❌

1) Sharing with other users or groups not possible
2) Sharing with other users or groups possible
3) Sharing with other users possible

Example cases for the different accounts

SUPERVISOR

The professional or commercial biofeedback trainer has a SUPERVISOR account so that he can create individual procedures for his clients and share them with them via the cloud. They can also create different groups and add their clients to them individually. This allows them to monitor and analyze their clients’ measurements over a longer period of time.

You can buy the Supervisor Plan here: https://mindfield-shop.com/en/product/esense-supervisor-account-monthly-subscription-for-esense-app-and-esense-live/

PREMIUM PLAN

The client who wants to work with a (professional) trainer and have access to all functions has a PREMIUM PLAN. This allows the client to share their recordings (both free measurements and procedures) with the trainer and other users. They can also upload their own procedures to the cloud and have them analyzed or adapted by the SUPERVISOR (trainer).

BASIS PLAN

The client who wants to work with a (professional) trainer needs at least this account so that he can share his recordings with the trainer (SUPERVISOR).

WITHOUT PLAN

Anyone who simply wants to get a taste of the app does not need to join a plan to test its functionality.

Example cases for the synchronization of measurements between accounts with different plans

Without account, without plan (and offline)

All measurements are saved locally on the device. There is no synchronization with the cloud as there is no associated account.

Users can only access their measurements on the device on which they were carried out. You can find the measurements in the archive under the Recordings tab.

With account, without plan

The measurements are linked to the user’s account but are not synchronized with the cloud. All measurements that are linked to the user’s account are displayed in the archive.

The measurements can only be accessed if the user is logged into the account on the device on which the measurements were taken. You can find the measurements in the archive under the Recordings tab.

With account, with basic or premium plan

All measurements are linked to the user’s account and are synchronized with the cloud.

All synchronized measurements that are linked to the user’s account are displayed in the archive. To synchronize old measurements that were created on the device before a plan was purchased with the cloud, you can select the “Synchronize with the cloud” button in the “Local session, performed without account” tab in the archive. These measurements are then assigned to the other measurements and disappear from this tab.

Activate streaming to esense.live in the eSense mobile app

If you are a supervisor, you can activate real-time data transmission to eSense Web App (esense.live) in the eSense app settings.

44. Groups

The accounts enable you to create your own groups or to join other groups. This allows you to share your recordings with your friends. Or you can work with a trainer as a client since you can share your recordings with the trainer.

Create a group

Tap on the plus symbol to create a group.

Edit a group

Tap on the 3 dots next to the group name You can then (if authorized) view and remove the members of the group or add new members.
You can also change the title of the group or delete the group.

45. Privacy policy

The eSense App does not collect any personal data, such as name, gender, date of birth, etc.. Each recording of measurement data is done under a general prefix such as “measurement”,

supplemented by with the eSense sensor used, the current date and time of the measurement. The recorded measurement data cannot therefore be assigned to any person.

The prefix of a recording, e.g. “measurement”, can be changed by the user in the settings and used for the assignment to a person. Users can decide whether to change this prefix to their name, for example. Then each measurement and also each CSV file exported from it contains the name of the user in the file name.

Access rights within the eSense App

Microphone input: Access to the microphone input is required to receive measurement data from the eSense sensor at all. This access is mandatory.

Access to media library: Access to photos, music, and videos is only required if you want to use your own photos, music, and/or videos in the eSense App. The eSense app should be used as feedback. It is also possible to use only the by the app supplied media.

Access to the location: The access to the location (activation of GPS) is only required for the Bluetooth® connection to the Magic Blue bulb (optionally available) or the eSense Pulse. This is mandatory under Android and lies outside the possibilities of the publisher of the eSense App. No standard data is collected, the standard function is not used.

Access to Bluetooth®: If the eSense app is used with the Magic Blue smart bulb to provide biofeedback by modifying the color and brightness of the light bulb, it needs to be connected via Bluetooth® within the app. To do this, the Bluetooth® function is used. For the eSense Pulse Sensor, Bluetooth® is also required as it transmits the data via Bluetooth®.

Transmission of anonymous usage data and crash reports

In order to improve the technical stability of the eSense App and the detection of code errors, we use the Sentry service. Sentry serves these purposes alone and does not evaluate any data for advertising purposes. The transmission takes place anonymously and only with an existing internet connection.

Processed data

Usage data, metadata (device ID, device data, IP address).

Special protective measures: IP masking, immediate deletion.

External Functional Software Disclosure: Functional Software Inc., Sentry, 132 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California 94107, USA.

Processing in third countries: USA

Warranty for processing in third countries: Privacy Shield, https://www.privacyshield.gov/participant?id=a2zt0000000TNDzAAO&status=Active.

Deletion of the data: Information on the device or time of error is collected anonymously and is not used for personal purposes and then deleted.

Medical information

The Mindfield eSense sensors are not medical devices and may therefore only be used to reduce stress.

If you suffer from an illness, do not carry out any treatment on your own and always consult a therapist.

Warranty by the manufacturer The statutory warranty obligations apply to all our products. If you have any problems with our products, please contact us directly. See the “Contact” section of this manual.

eSense Muscle Manual

© Mindfield Biosystems Ltd. 2025 | www.mindfield.de

Contents

General

Electromyography

Biofeedback Training

Software & Accessories

eSense Mobile App (Android / iOS)

eSense Web App (www.esense.live)

Account & Cloud (optional)

1. News

2. Note Pro and Home version

Details Home Edition

Details Pro Edition

3. Note on the Apps

Web App vs. Web App for Mobile Devices vs. Mobile App for Mobile Devices

Web App for Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Mobile App (Android and iOS)

Web App for Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)

4. Delivery contents eSense Muscle

5. Technical Data

Bluetooth®

eSense Muscle

6. Analysis of eSense data (CSV)

Exporting measured values from the Mindfield eSense app

General Note

Microsoft Excel™

Google Drive (Google Sheets™, recommended)

7. Streaming eSense data to a PC/Mac/Browser (eSense Web App, OSC)

eSense Web App

OSC Transfer

8. Duplicate eSense on a large screen (screen mirroring)

Android

Wireless with HDMI dongles (Miracast / Chromecast etc.)

iOS

Wireless with Airplay

Mini projector

9. Troubleshooting connection problems

10. EC Declaration of Conformity

11. Battery Information

12. Contact

13. General information on EMG (electromyography) biofeedback training

14. Features of the eSense Muscle

15. The EMG signal

16. Introduction to eSense Muscle

17. Operating instructions for the eSense Muscle

18. Procedures

19. Open Training

Preparation and start

Usual applications, for example muscle building training

Common uses, for example muscle relaxation

Usual applications, example stress test

20. Cleaning and Care

21. Notes before starting the eSense Mobile App

Download Links

22. Preparation and start of the eSense Mobile App

23. General notes

24. General view & Open Training

Portrait

Landscape

25. Contraction Helper

26. Survey (optional)

27. Analysis (after the measurement)

28. Procedure Overview

29. Procedure editor

30. Add new module

31. Overview of the modules

32. Creation of a procedure

33. Own media (photos, videos and audios)

34. General settings

35. In App Purchases

36. Archive (overview)

37. Archive (single view)

38. Marker feature

39. Virtual Reality (VR) (f.i. Meta Quest 3)

40. Compatible Android and iOS devices

General

iOS devices compatible with the eSense

Android devices that are compatible with the eSense

41. eSense Muscle Web App (recommended)