Before you continue reading, please check if your sensor has the latest firmware installed and if you are using the provided barbell strap (if using an Enode Sensor). Similarly, ensure the Bar Sensor Kit is properly placed inside the barbell sleeve.
Like any other measuring device, the measurement technology within an IMU (the technology at work in our sensors) works reliably within a defined range. Due to environmental influences, impacts, or strong vibrations, measuring ranges can be exceeded. These out-of-range conditions cause the measured values to drift, leading to deviations in the output data or even missed repetitions.
In the following article, we show the most frequent causes and suggested solutions in this context.
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Minimum Distance: The minimum distance defined for the exercise and athlete is set too high. Lower it by at least 10 cm (approximately 4 inches) below your average distance, which you typically cover in this exercise. This setting is in place so that, for example, lifting the barbell out of a rack does not generate a repetition.
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Maximal Inclination: If an exercise with the equipment barbell is selected, a restriction of 20 degrees of inclination is applied. Repetitions exceeding this are automatically invalidated.
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Velocity Threshold: If the velocity falls below a certain level (around 0.10 m/s), the sensor can't measure it, and the repetition is considered finished. If the minimum distance has not been exceeded by then, no repetition will be registered. This usually only happens with repetitions close to 1RM attempts.
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Impacts & Vibrations: Only one or a few repetitions of a set are recorded in each set. The reason is in 99% of cases, impacts on the barbell or strong vibrations are caused by wobbly iron plates. Probably the best example here is the deadlift. When in doubt, try to leave a pause of up to 2 seconds between them while looking for the sensor ready icon. Pay attention to what you do with the barbell and the sensor before the start of a set. The data can drift if the barbell is rolled before lift-off or the hook of the rack is hit.
Please Note
If the above tips do not lead to any improvement, you can always contact us. Providing more information increases the likelihood of finding a solution. A video demonstrating the problem is usually the most helpful, but data exports or screenshots can also assist in finding a solution. If none of these options are available, please let us know in which exercises the issues typically occur.