ActiGraph wGT3X-BT Flagship Activity Monitor Wearable Device User Guide
- June 9, 2024
- ActiGraph
Table of Contents
wGT3X-BT Flagship Activity Monitor Wearable Device
User Guide
Overview
ActiGraph wGT3X-BT
The wGT3X-BT is ActiGraph’s flagship activity monitor, used by researchers
around the world to capture and record continuous, high resolution physical
activity and sleep/wake information.
The wGT3X-BT is a body worn device that measures and records physical movement
associated with daily activity and sleep. The wGT3X-BT is intended for use in
applications where quantifiable measurement and storage of physical movement
is desired.
wGT3X-BT Technical Details
ActiGraph wGT3X-BT activity monitors contain a 3-axis MEMS accelerometer with
a dynamic range of +/- 8 G. Acceleration data are sampled by a 12 bit analog
to digital converter at user specified rates ranging from 30 Hz to 100 Hz and
stored in a raw, non-filtered/accumulated format in the units of gravity
(G’s). Data are stored directly into a non-volatile flash memory.
Bluetooth® LE
Enables wireless device features (heart rate monitoring) and communication
with ActiGraph mobile applications.
Wear time sensor
Automatically detects if a wrist worn device has been removed for simplified
compliance monitoring and data cleaning.
Ambient Light Sensor
Provides minute-by-minute light intensity values (in lux) alongside activity
information, helpful for examining the relationship between environment and
activity and sleep behaviors.
Specifications
Dimensions | 3.3 x 4.6 x 1.5 cm |
---|---|
Weight | 19 grams |
Sample rate | 30-100 Hertz |
Battery life | 25 days* |
Data storage/Memory | 180 days/4 GB |
Dynamic range | +/- 8G |
Communication | USB, Bluetooth® LE |
Water resistance | 1 meter, 30 min. |
Wear location | Wrist, waist, ankle, thigh |
Warranty | 1 year |
What You’ll Need
Getting Started
-
Install ActiLife software
You must be running ActiLife version 6.13.3 or higher to operate the wGT3X-BT device.① Go to
https://actigraphcorp.com/actilife and click the ‘Download’ button. Follow the prompts to install the ActiLife software on your PC.
② When prompted, enter the ActiLife license key that was provided at the time of purchase to complete the installation.
Note: The ActiLife full version and ActiLife Lite can both be used to initialize and download data from the wGT3X-BT. However, the ActiLife full version is required to view and/or process the collected data.
If you will be using the CentrePoint software platform, see CentrePoint User Manual -
Charge the battery
ActiGraph wGT3X-BT devices contain a rechargeable lithium ion battery that should be fully charged before initialization and deployment to subjects. ActiLife will not initialize a device if the battery has dropped below a certain level. It takes approximately three hours to charge a fully depleted battery.① Unscrew the USB port cover by turning counterclockwise with the triangle tool.
② Connect the wGT3X-BT(s) to a PC using the USB cable.
③ While charging, the wGT3X-BT will display a flashing green LED.
④ The device(s) is fully charged once the green LED stays on steady.
Charging multiple devices
An ActiGraph approved USB charging hub can be used to charge up to 7 devices
simultaneously. Multiple hubs can be used to further increase charging
capacity.
- Connect hub to power supply and PC using supplied cables.
- Attach wGT3X-BT devices using supplied USB cables.
Note: A PC and/or software is not required for device charging.
Note: Battery voltage can be checked by opening the ActiLife software,
connecting the device, and viewing the ‘Battery’ column in the grid under the
‘Devices’ tab. Select ‘Refresh’ to update the voltage level during charging.
Battery life specifications
The wGT3X-BT has several features that impact battery life when enabled.
Estimated battery life for common device configurations are as follows:
Common Initialization Modes | Expected Battery Life (Days) |
---|---|
30Hz Raw, Idle Sleep Mode Enabled | 27 |
30Hz Raw, Idle Sleep Mode Disabled | 20.5 |
30Hz Raw, Idle Sleep Mode Enabled, BLE Enabled – No HR | 14.5 |
30Hz Raw, Idle Sleep Mode Enabled, BLE On with Heart Strap (8hr/day) | 12.5 |
80Hz Raw, Idle Sleep Mode Enabled | 25 |
80Hz Raw, Idle Sleep Mode Disabled | 18.5 |
Note: These estimates are based on average device usage parameters. More frequent use of wireless communication will result in reduced battery life.
Setup & Initialization
This section describes how to configure the wGT3X-BT and begin collecting data.
-
Open the ActiLife software.
-
Connect the wGT3X-BT to the PC using the USB cable. The monitor(s) will appear in the grid under the ‘Devices’ tab.
-
Select ‘Initialize.’ A submenu will open to display several initialization options.
-
Select ‘Regular Initialization’ from the submenu. A dialog box will open to display the initialization parameters listed below. The most commonly used initialization parameters are pre-selected as system defaults. Initialization Parameters
• Start and Stop Times
Enter the dates and times when the device should start and stop collecting data. If no start time is selected, the system defaults to two minutes ahead of the current time. If no stop time is selected, the device will continue to collect data until the battery is depleted, the memory capacity is full, or it is downloaded and reinitialized.
• Device Time
Set device to local computer time or atomic time.
• Sample Rate
Select the device sampling rate ranging from 30 to 100 Hz. The sample rate is the number of times per second that the activity monitor will record data. Note that higher sampling rates will result in higher data fidelity, but will reduce the device storage capacity and battery life.
• LED Options
• Unchecked
Disables the green LED.
• Delay Mode LED
The green LED will flash until the selected start time occurs. The light will stop flashing once the device begins collecting data.
• Data Collection LED
The green LED will flash during data collection.
• Wireless LED
The blue LED will flash during wireless Bluetooth communication (wireless must be enabled).
Note: Increased LED usage will result in decreased battery life
Note: A red LED will flash to indicate low battery regardless of selected LED options.
• Wireless Options
• Enable Wireless
Activates Bluetooth® functionality.
• Heart Rate
Capture heart rate data when device is used with compatible Bluetooth® heart rate monitor. Note that wireless must be enabled to activate heart rate data collection.
• Recording Options
• Idle Sleep Mode
When enabled, the device enters a low power state after experiencing 10 seconds of inactivity in order to preserve battery life. Any subsequent activity will awaken the device. No data loss is incurred. -
Complete the initialization parameters form and select ‘Enter Subject Info.’
-
Enter subject name, biometric information, and wear position details into the grid. Note that a subject name is required for initialization, but other biometric and wear details can be entered during download or data analysis.
-
Select ‘Initialize 1 Device.’ A progress bar in the devices grid will indicate when the initialization process is completed.
-
After initialization is complete, unplug the wGT3X-BT and replace the USB cap by turning clockwise with the triangle tool. Be careful not to overtighten.
-
The device will begin collecting data when the selected start time elapses and will continue to collect data until the stop time occurs (if selected), the battery is depleted, or the device is downloaded and reinitialized.
Note: If the start time elapses before the initialization process is complete, an error message will appear. Simply select the ‘Default’ button in the Start Time section to reset the default start time and then select ‘Initialize 1 Device.’
Note: Multiple devices can be initialized simultaneously using one or more ActiGraph approved charging hubs. In this case, all devices will be programmed with the same initialization parameters and the Subject Info grid will display serial numbers of all connected devices for assignment.
Deployment & Information for Subjects
1. Wearing the wGT3X-BT
The wGT3X-BT is typically worn at the waist or on the non-dominant wrist using
one of our compatible belts or wrist straps.
The appropriate wear location is dependent on specific research objectives and
will be outlined in the study protocol.
Note: The device must be worn at the wrist location to obtain accurate
readings from the wear time sensor.
Note: The device must be worn at the wrist location to obtain accurate
sleep score information.
Waist worn devices
- Remove the clip at one end of the elastic waist belt.
- Thread the belt through the wings on each side of the wGT3X-BT so the belt lies flat against the back side of the device.
- Replace the clip and adjust the length as needed.
- The subject should be instructed to fasten the belt snugly around the waist and position the wGT3X-BT in line with the armpit and knee with the USB port cover facing up.
Wrist worn devices
- From above the device, insert the thin end of the wear time wrist strap into one of wGT3X-BT wings with the velcro side facing out. Pull until the thick end of the wrist strap catches in the wing.
- Insert the thin end into the opposite wing to create a loop. The strap should not cover the back of the device.
- Secure and adjust the wrist strap by folding the excess length outward and fastening to the velcro.
- The subject should be instructed to wear the device strapped securely to the non-dominant wrist with the ActiGraph logo facing up when viewed like a wrist watch.
Note: The wGT3X-BT can also be worn at the ankle, thigh, chest or other
location for specialized research applications. However ActiGraph does not
offer specific wear accessories for these locations at this time.
Heart Rate Monitor
To collect
heart rate information, the ‘Heart Rate’ option must be enabled during
initialization and a compatible Bluetooth® wireless heart rate monitor is
required. Unsnap the heart rate transmitter from the chest strap, position the
transmitter in the center of the sternum, and snap back into place. Adjust the
strap so that it is secure across the breast bone. The wGT3X-BT will
automatically begin collecting heart rate information when in range of the
chest strap.
Note: Application of a water-based lubricant between the skin and
transmitter can improve conductivity and reliability of the heart rate signal.
Downloading the Data
-
Open the ActiLife software.
-
Connect the wGT3X-BT to the PC using the USB cable. The monitor will appear in the grid under the ‘Devices’ tab.
-
Verify the box in front of the device is checked and select ‘Download’ from the taskbar menu.
-
A dialog box will open to display the download options listed below. The most commonly used download parameters are pre-selected as defaults. a. File download location
Select where downloaded files will be saved.
b. Download naming convention
Provides a list of file name formats.
c. Download Options:
• Create Clinical Report
A customizable PDF report containing summary data will be automatically generated on download. Subject measures and scoring algorithms can be selected by clicking ‘edit options.’
• Create AGD File
An AGD file, required for data scoring, will be automatically created on download.
Epoch: Select the desired epoch length for the AGD file. The epoch length represents the amount of time the raw acceleration data is summed after the filter is applied.
# of Axis: Select which axes of data should be included in AGD file.
Steps: Select to include step count data in AGD file.
Inclinometer: Select to include positional data (standing, sitting, or lying down and when the device has been removed) based on device orientation in the AGD file.
Note: The wGT3X-BT must be worn at the hip or attached to the upper thigh for accurate inclinometer readings.
Note: 1 Axis=Y; 2 Axis=X,Y; 3 Axis=X,Y,Z
Low Frequency Extension: Select to apply low frequency filter extension to AGD file.
Note: The Low Frequency Extension option should only be used in very specific use cases where physical activity is at such a low level that it might otherwise be eliminated with our normal filter. An example would be very slow shuffling movements, common in elderly populations.
d. Biometric and User Information
Subject biometric information can be entered and/or edited. Fields will be pre-populated if this information was entered during initialization. -
Once Download Options are selected, click ‘Download All Devices.’ The dialog box will close and a progress bar will appear under the ‘Status’ column in the grid.
-
When the download is complete, a ‘finished downloading’ link will appear. Click this link to reveal options to view data, export the raw data file, and navigate to the download folder.
-
Data has now successfully been downloaded from the wGT3X-BT and can be cleaned and scored using the analysis tools in ActiLife.
Note: Collected data will remain on the wGT3X-BT device until it is
reinitialized.
For more information on data scoring and analysis using the ActiLife software,
download the ActiLife User’s Manual
Care & Storage
Cleaning
The wGT3X-BT should be cleaned after each deployment using an alcohol-based
solution or wipe. Belts and wrist straps should be laundered.
Storage
In order to maximize battery life, ActiGraph recommends devices be stored in a
partially charged state (40 – 60%
battery capacity is ideal) in low ambient temperatures. The device should
never be stored lower than -20º C or higher than 40º C.
Regulatory Information
1. Regulatory statements
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received
including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by ActiGraph, LLC will void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment under FCC regulations.
- FCC Part 15.107 – AC Conducted Emissions
- FCC Part 15.109 – Radiated Emissions
- FCC Part 15.207 – Modular Transmitter AC Line Conducted Emissions
- FCC Part 15.249 – Radiated Emission Limits of Intentional Radiators
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
2. Regulatory symbols
CAUTION: Do not simultaneously wear and charge, service, or provide any
maintenance on the product.
CAUTION: Transporting or operating this product outside of the
temperature range of -20C to 40C could lead to dangerous conditions.
CAUTION: Modification to ActiGraph products are not permitted and will
void all warranties if tampered and/or modified. Do not modify the product in
any way.
CAUTION: Do not swallow any part of this product. If a piece has been
swallowed, contact your local poison control hotline or seek medical attention
as soon as possible.
NOTICE: No precautions need to be taken in the event of changes in the
performance of the product.
NOTICE: Product does not have any contraindication(s)
NOTICE: Only use a USB 2.0 cable to connect to the device. Only use
ActiGraph approved USB hubs to charge the device. Do not connect the device
via the USB 2.0 port to anything else but a computer and ActiGraph approved
USB hub.
Emergo Europe
Prinsessegracht 20
2514 AP The Hague
The Netherlands| Authorized Representative in European Community
Indicates the authorized representative in the European Community.
---|---
AUSTRALIAN SPONSOR
Emergo Australia
Level 20, Tower II
Darling Park
201 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia| ActiGraph’s Australia Sponsor
Indicates ActiGraph’s authorized Australian Sponsor.
| Catalog Number
Indicates the manufacturer’s catalogue number so that the medical device can
be identified for reordering.
**| CE Symbol
By affixing the CE marking to a product, a manufacturer declares that the
product meets all the legal requirements for CE marking and can be sold
throughout the EEA. ActiGraph’s products abide with the Medical Device
Directive 93/42/EEC and Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
| Brazil National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) Homologação Number.
This equipment operates on a secondary basis, that is, not entitled to
protection from harmful interference, even for stations of the same type, and
may not cause interference to systems operating on a primary basis.
**| Consult Instructions for Use
Indicates the need for the user to consult the instructions for use.
| Serial Number
Indicates the manufacturer’s serial number so that a specific medical device
can be identified.
**| Manufacturer
ActiGraph is the medical device manufacturer and is located at 49 E. Chase
Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502.
| Temperature Limit
Indicates the temperature limits to which the medical device can be safely
exposed.
**| Recycle: Electronic Equipment
Indicates the medical device should not be disposed of in the trash. Contact
ActiGraph Customer Service regarding the disposal of these products.
| Lithium Ion (EU)
Indicates the lithium ion battery within the device should not be disposed of
in the trash. Contact ActiGraph Customer Service regarding the disposal of
these batteries.
ActiGraphCorp.com
Please contact our Customer Support Team with any questions or for additional
information about operating the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT.
70 North Baylen Street, Suite 400. Pensacola, FL 32502
support@theactigraph.com
850.332.7900
+1 877-497-6996 (toll free)
©2023 ActiGraph, LLC. All rights reserved.
U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a
physician.
Activity Monitor: ActiGraph wGT3X-BT | E.200.6003
Revision: 7
Released: 01/09/2023
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>