Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started and understanding the software
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BioSensr is a performance-monitoring tool used by sports professionals to monitor muscle activation during isometric hamstring holds. It provides performance information that may help inform training and loading decisions.
BioSensr is not a medical device. It does not diagnose injury or other medical conditions and should not replace professional clinical judgement.
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BioSensr is designed to monitor the biceps femoris and semitendinosus during isometric hamstring testing performed according to the Instructions for Use. Use outside the validated protocol is not recommended.
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BioSensr is supplied as a desktop application for Mac computers with Apple silicon (ARM) and for Windows computers with x64 or ARM processors. Intel-based Macs are not supported. The Windows application is compiled for x64 and runs on Windows ARM computers through Windows' built-in x64 emulation. Check the download or installation instructions for the supported operating-system versions.
The laptop must be operated on battery power, not connected to mains power, during measurements.
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Connect the USB hub to the computer, but do not plug the BioSensr USB cables into the hub yet.
Connect each colour-coded cable to its BioSensr so the sensors are ready.
Select the athlete and exercise, then click Connect BioSensrs.
Plug each BioSensr cable into the USB hub only when its colour is shown.
Wait until BioSensr confirms that all required sensors are connected.
Plugging the sensor cables into the hub one at a time allows the software to assign each physical sensor to the correct muscle location. If sensors are already connected, or several are connected together, follow the on-screen instruction to unplug all sensors from the hub. Leave the hub connected; the colour prompts resume automatically once all sensors are unplugged.
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Confirm that the USB hub is connected to the computer and that the laptop is running on battery power. Cancel the connection sequence, unplug the BioSensr cables from the hub, click Connect BioSensrs, and reconnect the cables one at a time in the colour order shown. Avoid connecting several sensor cables to the hub at once.
If a previously connected sensor drops out, BioSensr may offer to reconnect the remembered sensors automatically. If reconnection times out, begin a fresh connection sequence.
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Simulation mode produces demonstration signals without physical BioSensrs. It can be used to learn the measurement workflow and review the interface. It must not be treated as athlete data or used to inform training or loading decisions.
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Muscle Activation — top left
Displays muscle activation during a measurement or from a selected past session.
Each muscle activation trace is scaled independently from 0% to 100% to show its activation pattern. This is not % of baseline; compare the numerical results below.
Markers highlight the contraction period associated with the saved result.
Signal — top right
Displays the signal recorded by each sensor during a measurement or past session.
The signal should be relatively quiet before contraction, increase during contraction, and return toward its starting level afterward.
Muscle Activation Status — bottom
Displays muscle activation, % of baseline, and baseline status for each configured muscle.
Status labels may include Starting baseline, Within Baseline, Within Baseline — Restoration Pending, Slight Reduction, Moderate Reduction, Marked Reduction, Large Reduction, and Baseline Restored. These labels describe numerical comparisons and do not indicate a medical condition.
Use Previous and Next to review historical measurements.
Improving, Stable, and Declining describe numerical change after a reduction; they are not clinical assessments.
Use Baseline review to select or deselect a valid muscle result for use in that athlete's baseline. Each muscle and side can establish its initial reference on a different date.
Signal Quality
The gauge and its written label show how clearly the contraction stands out from background noise. Not measured means no signal-quality result is available.
Green indicates excellent signal quality, yellow indicates good signal quality, orange indicates a weak or intermittent signal, and red indicates poor signal quality.
If the pointer is in the orange or red band, check sensor contact, gel, electrical interference, cable connections, and laptop power before relying on the trial.
Measurement Validity
Valid means a complete recording; check signal quality separately before relying on the trial.
Mark a trial invalid to keep it in history while excluding it from baseline and trend analysis.
Permanently delete a trial only when its stored signal and result data are no longer required.
Operation progress
The Muscle Activation Status area shows progress while a measurement is recorded or updated.
Measurement progress follows the configured measurement duration.
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Open Settings and enable Enhanced colour differentiation. BioSensr keeps the physical sensor cable colours and written cable names unchanged so the on-screen prompts continue to match the hardware. Muscle Activation graphs add a labelled legend, distinct line patterns, and marker shapes. Measurement cues, including the Measure button, use blue for Relax and orange for Tense instead of yellow and green. Always follow the written prompt as well as its colour.
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Use View for previous and next measurements and Window for window controls. On macOS, the menus appear at the top of the screen; the system controls available depend on macOS and the display. On Windows, the menus appear inside the app window. Import and export remain in Settings.
In Help, open Documentation (FAQ), Instructions for Use, Exercise Instructions, or the BioSensr Website. Check for Updates… checks for a newer version when signed in. Send Feedback… opens a draft addressed to jett@biosensr.com with the software version in its subject; review and send it in your email app. About BioSensr shows the software version and website; find it in the BioSensr application menu on macOS or Help on Windows.
Testing protocol
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For gel preparation, strap placement and the single-leg isometric hamstring prone hold, click How to to the right of Athletes & Teams or visit Exercises & Protocols. This link remains available for every exercise, including history and empty athletes. The page currently contains gel preparation and the hamstring prone hold protocol; it can be expanded with further instructions and media.
BioSensr is designed for single leg (SL) isometric hamstring holds performed according to the Instructions for Use. Supported setups may include the VALD NordBord or a stable bench setup where described in the current Instructions for Use.
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BioSensr is validated and intended only for the exercises and muscle locations described in the Instructions for Use. Other movements or muscle groups are not supported unless explicitly added to the validated protocol.
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Yes. Use Spectra 360 electrode gel, filling each electrode cavity approximately ¾ full before placing the sensors. For repeated use across different athletes, wipe excess gel away; complete removal between athletes is not required.
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If no athlete is available, click Add athlete. Select the team, athlete, exercise, and either the left or right side. Connect every required BioSensr. The Measure (Relax) button remains unavailable until the required sensors are connected. Click Measure (Relax), remain relaxed during the initial prompt, contract maximally when TENSE appears, and relax again when instructed. The progress bar follows the configured measurement duration and displays the final measurement outcome when recording ends.
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Where required by the testing protocol, record the left and right sides separately. Baselines and status calculations are maintained independently for each side. The optional automatic side-switch setting can select the opposite side after a valid measurement.
Automatic side switching is off by default so the completed result stays visible for review. Select the other side when ready, or enable Automatically switch Left ↔ Right after a valid measurement in Settings. An existing saved preference is retained.
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Use the same validated exercise setup, body position, sensor locations, strapping, instructions, contraction effort, and testing conditions each time. Ensure good skin contact and use electrode gel as directed. Where practical, keep the computer, hub, cables, operator procedure, and time relative to training consistent.
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Yes. Click the measurement button again or press Enter, then confirm that the partial recording should be discarded. The confirmation dialog also accepts Y for Yes and N for No.
Measurements, baselines, and statuses
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For each muscle, BioSensr summarises the recorded muscle activation during the completed contraction into one value. Results should be compared using the same testing protocol and should not be interpreted as force, strength, injury probability, or a diagnosis.
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It is the current muscle activation divided by that athlete’s established baseline for the same exercise, muscle, and body side. For example, 90% means the current muscle activation is nine-tenths of the applicable baseline value. It is not a percentage likelihood of injury or recovery.
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BioSensr groups results into baseline-relative categories such as Within Baseline, Slight Reduction, Moderate Reduction, Marked Reduction, and Large Reduction. A first qualifying measurement is labelled Starting baseline, with Reference in the % of baseline column. It identifies the starting reference for that muscle and side at that point in the measurement history, rather than a comparison with a previous result. Different muscles can establish their initial references on different days or weeks.
These categories describe the size of a numerical difference from the applicable baseline. They do not diagnose a medical condition, estimate injury likelihood, or prescribe a training decision.
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BioSensr keeps a separate baseline for each athlete, exercise, muscle, and body side. Valid results selected under Use as baseline contribute to that baseline. Invalid measurements and results excluded in Baseline review do not contribute. Review the initial muscle activation values and uncheck any result you want to exclude. As more eligible measurements are recorded, BioSensr limits the influence of unusual results; an unusually low result is not guaranteed to be excluded immediately.
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BioSensr calculates the baseline from results confirmed under Use as baseline. It gives less influence to unusual results and keeps the baseline relevant to the athlete's recent testing history. One confirmed result can establish a baseline, although more results are needed to show the athlete's normal variation.
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A checked result contributes to future baseline calculations for that specific athlete, exercise, muscle, and side. Unchecking it excludes the result and recalculates later percentages and statuses. The software asks for confirmation before including a result outside the expected baseline range.
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After a reduction, a valid result that returns sufficiently close to the athlete's established baseline is labelled Baseline Restored. It may then become eligible for baseline inclusion. Later qualifying results return to Within Baseline.
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After a reduction, a result may return to the usual baseline range without yet meeting BioSensr's requirements for Baseline Restored. It is labelled Within Baseline — Restoration Pending and is not automatically added to the baseline while restoration remains unconfirmed.
This label describes the software's numerical sequence only. It does not mean that an athlete is medically recovered or cleared to participate.
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When reduced results are recorded on consecutive testing days, BioSensr compares the current result with the latest valid result from the previous testing day. Improving means the result has meaningfully increased, Declining means it has meaningfully decreased, and Stable means there has been no meaningful change. The first result in a new period of reduction does not show a trend label.
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Every stored trial remains available in the individual left- or right-side history. The Both view shows one valid result for each side and day so the sides can be compared. Invalid trials are not used. If a day has no valid trials, it does not appear in Both view, but its trials remain available in the individual side histories.
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The measurement and its recorded signal remain in history, but BioSensr no longer uses it for baselines or trends. Later results may change as a result. If you mark the measurement valid again, BioSensr includes it and updates the later results.
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The selected measurement's stored signal and result data are permanently removed. This cannot be undone within BioSensr. Later measurements are recalculated without the deleted trial. Mark a trial invalid instead if it should remain available for audit or later review.
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Changing whether an earlier measurement is valid or used for the baseline can affect later percentages and statuses for the same athlete, exercise, muscle, and side. BioSensr updates those later results in date order. The measurement you are reviewing remains selected unless you delete it.
Signal quality and troubleshooting
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Operate the laptop on battery power, disconnected from mains power.
Minimise nearby electrical interference.
Use the validated sensor location and secure the sensor as instructed.
Ensure good skin contact and use electrode gel as directed.
Check that cables are fully seated without pulling or excessive twisting.
Keep the athlete relaxed during the initial relaxed phase.
If signal quality remains poor, repeat the setup checks before relying on the measurement.
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The Signal Quality gauge shows how clearly the contraction stands out from background noise. Green indicates excellent signal quality, yellow indicates good signal quality, orange indicates a weak or intermittent signal, and red indicates poor signal quality. It does not measure muscle performance.
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A result may be unavailable if the contraction was incomplete or part of the signal is missing. Check sensor contact and signal quality, make sure the athlete follows the Relax and TENSE prompts, and repeat the trial. Do not add a missing result to the baseline.
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BioSensr stops the measurement and checks the information already received from each sensor. If every muscle has a complete recording, the measurement can still be saved as valid. An incomplete recording is kept as invalid and shown as Measurement stopped — Invalid. If there is no usable recording, it is discarded and shown as Measurement stopped. Reconnect the BioSensrs before starting another measurement.
Historical data and data management
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Select the athlete, exercise, and side, then use Previous and Next to move through stored sessions. Select Both to compare the chosen valid daily left and right measurements. Days containing only invalid measurements do not appear in Both view; those measurements remain available in the individual side histories. The plots, signal quality, validity, baseline choices, and result table update for the displayed history.
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BioSensr keeps working athlete and measurement data in a local application-data folder, separate from the installed app. On macOS this is `~/Library/Application Support/BioSensr`; on Windows it is `%LOCALAPPDATA%\BioSensr`. You can see the location in Settings → Data and backups. Keep this working folder on the computer rather than in another cloud-synced folder. Choose a synced folder for backups instead.
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Click Settings → Data and backups → Change backup folder… to open the folder picker and choose a backup folder, such as a secure cloud folder or an external drive. BioSensr remembers this location and keeps the latest three successful verified ZIP backups only in that folder. It does not create a second backup set beside your working data. You can change this folder at any time; Back up now… saves a backup immediately to the selected folder. Existing backups remain in the previous folder.
Back up automatically when closing is enabled by default. On a normal exit, BioSensr backs up the roster database and measurement files to your chosen folder before closing. If no folder has been chosen, it asks you to choose one; cancelling keeps the app open. If a backup fails, BioSensr offers Retry or Close without a new backup. Choose a secure destination away from the computer to protect against loss of the computer or its drive.
Backups are ZIP files and are not encrypted by BioSensr. Use an encrypted, access-controlled destination and allow any cloud synchronisation to finish. Automatic backup cannot run after a forced quit, power failure or crash, so use Back up now… after important testing sessions.
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Yes. In Settings → Data transfer, export the selected athletes and their measurements to a `.biosensr` file, then import that file on the other computer. Measurements already on the other computer are not duplicated. You can also create an Excel `.xlsx` summary, but it contains only one valid result for each recorded side and day and cannot be imported back into BioSensr. Wait for Imported successfully or Exported successfully before moving, renaming, or opening the file. The `.biosensr` file contains athlete details and measurement signals, so send and store it securely.
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On the old laptop, open Settings → Data transfer.
Choose BioSensr data (.biosensr).
Select every athlete you want to transfer and export the file.
Move the `.biosensr` file to the new laptop using an appropriately secure method.
Install the same or a newer version of BioSensr on the new laptop.
Open Settings → Data transfer, choose Import, and select the `.biosensr` file.
Confirm the athlete roster, session histories, body sides, baseline selections, and measurement traces before deleting any data from the old laptop.
Use the `.biosensr` export for migration. The Excel `.xlsx` export is a summary only and cannot be imported or used to restore the complete measurement data. Importing merges previously unseen sessions and skips duplicates.
Keep an encrypted backup of the old BioSensr data folder until the transfer has been verified. Interface preferences and licence acceptance may need to be configured again on the new laptop.
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Install BioSensr on the replacement computer and note the local data location shown in Settings → Data and backups. Quit BioSensr completely.
Extract your latest complete `BioSensr-Backup-…zip` to a temporary folder. It must contain `biosensr.sqlite3` and the Sessions folder together.
Preserve any existing BioSensr data folder before restoring. Copy the backed-up database and Sessions folder together into the local data location; do not put them inside another nested folder. Do not merge them with a database containing new measurements.
Reopen BioSensr and let the saved-data update finish. Check the roster, teams, measurement histories, body sides, signals and baseline selections before relying on the restored data or deleting the backup.
On macOS, use Finder Go → Go to Folder… to reach `~/Library/Application Support/BioSensr`. On Windows, enter `%LOCALAPPDATA%\BioSensr` in File Explorer. Interface preferences and licence acceptance are stored separately and may need to be configured again. A full backup ZIP is restored as a folder; it is not imported through the `.biosensr` athlete-transfer option.
If the new installation already contains measurements, export them to a `.biosensr` file before restoring, then import them after checking the restored data. Contact BioSensr support if you are unsure; do not overwrite your only copy.
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No. BioSensr adds measurements that are not already on the computer and skips duplicates. If the athlete already has a name and team on that computer, those details are kept.
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No. Installing an update does not remove stored athlete or measurement data. An update may refresh stored percentages and statuses if the analysis method has changed, but it keeps the recorded measurements and your baseline choices. Maintain a current backup before updating.
User interface preferences may reset in some update or migration situations.
After you sign in, BioSensr checks whether an update is available for your computer. If there is an update, BioSensr offers to open the account website. It will not download or install anything without your approval. If you choose to wait, a reminder remains in the main window for that session. You can also select Settings → Check for updates at any time.
Before installing the downloaded update, save any work and quit BioSensr completely. The installer cannot replace an application while it is still running. On macOS, reopen the DMG after quitting if necessary, then drag BioSensr to Applications and approve replacing the existing version. Your local BioSensr data folder is retained.
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No. Athlete details, recorded signals, results and measurement history remain in the local BioSensr data folder. BioSensr sends only the information needed to manage your account and software access, along with optional basic usage information. Usage analytics do not include athlete or measurement data and can be turned off in Settings.
If you choose a cloud service as your backup destination, that service will synchronise your backup files according to its settings. Those backups contain athlete and measurement data. Use an appropriately secure account and restrict access.
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Open account.biosensr.com, or click Continue in browser in BioSensr Desktop. Account creation, email verification, sign-in, password recovery, and any multi-factor authentication check take place in your normal web browser. After you sign in, the browser returns you securely to BioSensr Desktop. BioSensr Desktop does not receive your password or send athlete data during sign-in.
A newly verified account remains pending until BioSensr approves it. When approval is complete, BioSensr Accounts emails you from `info@auth.biosensr.com`; replies go to `info@biosensr.com`. Sign in to review the software-access date and available downloads. BioSensr Desktop requires both approval and current complimentary, manual, or paid software access. If a sign-in link has expired or the browser session has ended, return to account.biosensr.com and sign in again.
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Sign in at [account.biosensr.com](https://account.biosensr.com/) to review your approval and software-access dates, request a trial, or download BioSensr. The page recommends an installer for your operating system, with an option to show the other platform. Check the computer requirements on this page before downloading. Software access may be complimentary, granted manually, or purchased for one year. It does not renew automatically, so contact BioSensr when you want to purchase or extend access.
Under Manage account, you can enable or remove multi-factor authentication using a compatible authenticator app. When enabled, BioSensr asks for the current six-digit authenticator code after your password. Keep access to the authenticator app until MFA has been removed from the account.
In BioSensr Desktop, open Settings to visit the account page, change the Share basic operational usage analytics setting, or sign out. On a computer with BioSensr installed, Return to BioSensr Desktop opens the application.
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Contact BioSensr when you are ready to purchase or extend access. BioSensr may provide a Stripe-hosted Payment Link for a one-time 12-month software-access purchase. It is not an automatically renewing subscription.
After Stripe confirms payment, the purchased period is added after any later existing access end date, so remaining access is retained. BioSensr Sales emails the resulting access end date from `sales@auth.biosensr.com`; replies go to `sales@biosensr.com`, while Stripe separately provides the payment receipt and paid invoice or PDF. If the payment email does not already have a BioSensr account, BioSensr sends an invitation to set one up. Sign in at account.biosensr.com to review the resulting access dates.
Customers who need an assisted invoice or bank transfer should contact BioSensr before payment. Software access begins or is extended only after payment has been received and confirmed, unless BioSensr agrees otherwise in writing.
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Sign in at account.biosensr.com with an approved account that has current BioSensr Software access. The account page recommends an installer based on the operating system being used; select the option to reveal the other available platform when needed. Download only through the signed-in account page.
On macOS, download the macOS installer, open the DMG, and drag BioSensr to Applications. On Windows, download and open the Windows Setup executable and follow the installer prompts.
To update an existing installation, download the current installer, save any work, and quit BioSensr completely before opening the installer. On macOS, open the new DMG, drag BioSensr to Applications, and approve replacing the existing application. On Windows, open the new Setup executable and follow the prompts. Reinstalling or updating BioSensr does not remove the local BioSensr data folder, but maintain a current backup before changing software.
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Quit other copies of BioSensr and reopen the app. Keep working data in the local folder shown in Settings → Data and backups. If an older Desktop data folder needs to be copied into local storage, allow the required macOS folder permission when prompted. Check free disk space and any security software or organisation restrictions. Reinstalling the app does not remove its separately stored local data.
For an account connection problem, check the internet connection, firewall, VPN and organisation network settings. Initial sign-in and periodic access checks need internet access. After successful validation, authorised offline use is limited to seven days and cannot extend beyond the current access expiry date.
On Windows, check Windows Security → Ransomware protection → Controlled folder access, or ask your IT administrator for help. If the problem continues, contact BioSensr support with the operating system, BioSensr version and exact message. Do not send identifiable athlete data or raw measurement files through the contact form.
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Wait for Updated successfully before making another change or recording a measurement. If BioSensr reports an incomplete update or a busy measurement file, close other copies of BioSensr and any program using the data, then reopen BioSensr. It retries the unfinished update before enabling recording. Your recorded signals and saved manual baseline exclusions are retained.
Keep the working data folder local and use Settings → Data and backups for cloud backups. If the update still fails, contact BioSensr support with the exact message. Do not delete measurement files to clear the error.
Hardware, cleaning, and care
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No. BioSensr sensors are powered through their USB-C connection to the laptop. The laptop must be operated on battery power, not connected to mains power, during measurements.
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BioSensr sensors have undergone bend and flex testing. This testing does not establish a guaranteed service life. Handle each sensor and cable with care, and avoid excessive pulling, bending, twisting, crushing, or sustained cable strain.
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Sensors can be gently rinsed and cleaned with water and a sponge. Prevent water from entering the USB-C port and allow the sensors to dry fully before storage or reconnection. Follow any additional cleaning and disinfection directions in the Instructions for Use.
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Wash straps cold and allow them to air dry. Follow the Instructions for Use for any additional cleaning, inspection, and replacement requirements.
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Ensure sensors and straps are clean and completely dry. Disconnect cables without pulling on the wire, protect the USB-C ports, and store components without tight bends, crushing, or sustained cable strain.
Safety, interpretation, and support
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No. BioSensr is a performance-monitoring tool. It does not diagnose injury or medical conditions and should not replace professional clinical judgement. Status labels and percentages are numerical comparisons with an athlete's stored baseline, not diagnoses or return-to-play decisions.
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No. BioSensr reports changes in recorded muscle activation relative to stored baseline data. A reduction, restoration, or trend label does not establish injury, recovery, readiness, or clearance. Decisions should incorporate the testing protocol, data quality, context, and appropriate professional judgement.
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For BioSensr hardware or software support, contact jett@biosensr.com. Include the operating system, BioSensr software version, exercise, number of connected sensors, and a concise description of what happened. Do not email identifiable athlete data or raw measurement files unless an approved secure support process has been arranged.