Can 3 minutes really be enough?
30 years ago, spectral HRV analysis used to take 20 minutes. Today, thanks to our proprietary algorithms, you get the same accuracy in just a fraction of the time.
.avif)
From the lab to your nightstand
Discover the story behind 30 years of research, led by Elonga co-founder Radim Slachta.
1996
20-minute lab measurement
Where it all began
In 1996, physiologist Radim Slachta ran spectral HRV analysis on classmates at Palacky University. That 20-minute lab test became the foundation for what Elonga is today.
A college experiment that was ahead of the times
In 1992 Radim Šlachta started collecting the first data using spectral analysis as part of his dissertation on his classmates. The technologies of that time made it possible to make measurements only in laboratory conditions, using a specialized electrocardiograph. It was thanks to this method that it was possible to observe in detail the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic in the autonomic nervous system.
Verified by science, used in practice
The spectral analysis of HRV, according to the International Task Force (1996), is considered the gold standard for evaluating the autonomic nervous system, which unambiguously projects the state of our organism. Scientific works such as Stejskal and Salinger (1996), Botek (2007) or Bahenský and Grosicki (2021) show that HRV correlates with the level of recovery, the risk of overtraining as well as the effectiveness of training methods. Studies applied in clinical and sports practice confirm that heart rate variability is a sensitive indicator of not only physical but also psychological stress and should be evaluated by spectral analysis.
Objective: to give laboratory measurements to the general public
The challenge that Radim Šlachta set himself was to simplify demanding laboratory measurements so that the same quality of data could be obtained outside the research center. Thus, the idea arose to create a device that would transfer the possibilities offered by spectral analysis to ordinary people in the comfort of their own home.
2016
First target group: professional athletes
When performance is everything
After early lab success, it was clear that 20-minute HRV sessions weren't practical for everyday use. Slachta looked for people willing to invest that time for deeper insights - and found them in professional athletes.
A willingness to embrace data-driven results
Elite athletes live in a world where details - thousandths of a second, performance, precision, and recovery - make all the difference. That's why they were willing to undergo lengthy lab measurements if it gave them an edge. Spectral HRV analysis offered them the ability to optimize training, prevent overload, and peak at the right time.
Working with national teams and Olympic athletes
Thanks to the high accuracy of measurements, spectral analysis became part of elite training programs across the Czech Republic and beyond. The method was used with track athletes, soccer players, and cyclists to optimize long-term training loads. It proved that even a complex lab method is worth it when it delivers real performance gains.
2019
300,000 measurements recorded
A scientific breakthrough in spectral analysis
Spectral HRV analysis spread quickly among Europe's elite - from Premier League footballers to F1 drivers and golf pros. Public demand grew too, but 20 minutes per session was unrealistic. The solution? Czech mathematicians stepped in.
Adopted by the elite
The 20-minute spectral analysis method became standard among athletes across Europe. Olympic team members, professional cyclists, and elite coaches all used it. But the public wanted an easier and faster path to the same results.
A massive dataset as the foundation
Over years of measurements, more than 300,000 lab data points had been collected. Each one captured a detailed physiological response to stress or recovery. This raised a key question: what if all this knowledge could be condensed into a few minutes - without sacrificing accuracy?
Partnering with Czech scientists and mathematicians
Radim Slachta's team partnered with Czech experts in mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence. Their mission was clear: create an algorithm that could shorten measurements from 20 minutes to just a few - without losing accuracy or depth. And so a new era began - the road to Elonga for everyone.
2020
AI before it was cool
From 20 minutes to just 3: the first tests
2020 marked a breakthrough. After over 300,000 tests, a mathematical model was built that cut the 20-minute lab analysis down to just 3 minutes. This innovation used machine learning before it became mainstream - and launched a new era of HRV measurement.
Shorter measurement, same accuracy
Thanks to the massive dataset, it became possible to identify patterns in HRV signals. Based on the first three minutes, the algorithm can predict with high accuracy what the remaining 17 minutes of a lab measurement would look like. The quality was preserved - only the format changed.
The model 'knows what's coming'
The machine learning model was trained on hundreds of thousands of real-life situations - from everyday routines to states of extreme stress, fatigue, or peak form. Once Elonga captures the first three minutes of your HRV signal, the system immediately matches it against a database of similar patterns. Think of it as having 300,000 reference scenarios at its disposal.
Technology ahead of its time
At a time when most wearables relied on simple algorithms, Elonga was built on a deep understanding of human physiology and advanced modeling. The result is a unique combination of science, data, and technology that reveals in three minutes what previously required expensive equipment and much more time.
2021
Brought it down to 3 minutes. What’s next?
Spectral analysis for everyone: from elite athletes to everyday people
By 2021, the 3-minute test was ready - but a number alone wasn't enough. It was no longer just for pro athletes; everyday people wanted to understand their bodies, prevent illness, and live healthier. Elonga had to rethink its approach and start building a service for everyone.
.avif)
From performance to everyday health
Elite athletes needed to know when to push to the max. But the general public cares more about recovery, prevention, and long-term health. So the outputs were reformulated: instead of training recommendations, Elonga began focusing on functional age, stress levels, recovery quality, and daily readiness - clear, understandable metrics for everyone.
A new approach
We already knew how to work with data. But now we had to change the way we communicated them. It was no longer about performance tables and coaching metrics - we needed a new language. One that tells people not just how to exercise, but how to live better. So we built a clear dashboard, daily recommendations, and content that teaches users to listen to their own bodies.
A year and a half of development, testing, and refinement
From idea to real service, the journey was full of trial and error. We tested with diverse groups - from students to doctors, managers to moms. The goal was always the same: a measurement that takes only 3 minutes, but delivers insights that last all day. And every user should get meaningful, actionable information, regardless of age, fitness level, or goals.
End of 2023
Elonga on your nightstand
From lab to life: 30 years of research, in the palm of your hand
By the end of 2023, the dream became reality. After 30 years of research, testing, and development, Elonga entered thousands of homes. No bulky lab equipment - just a device that fits in your hand. Every morning, it helps over 20,000 people understand their bodies better.
10,000 customers in the first year
Elonga's launch exceeded all expectations. In its first 12 months, more than 10,000 users joined. The growth rate proved that people want a tool that gives them trustworthy health information - without having to measure, count, or analyze data themselves.
A one-of-a-kind technology
To this day, Elonga is the only technology in the world that uses spectral analysis and machine learning to assess the autonomic nervous system in just three minutes after waking up. No complex sensors, no all-day wear - just a calm morning measurement and a clear result.
The start of a new era in biofeedback
What Radim Slachta envisioned 30 years ago is changing lives today - from managers preventing burnout, to athletes optimizing recovery, to everyday users who want to know when to slow down. Elonga isn't just sitting on your nightstand. It's the beginning of a new era of daily health care.
The most precise HRV measurement method
Backed by thousands of studies worldwide
.avif)
Reviews
Over 15 000 people started using Elonga in the first 2 years. What do they value most?
Reviews from
Rated by 1000+ customers
mariamilke
Measures stress and recovery, so in the morning I instantly know how much I can train. Works great.
That's great
Elonga is great. Clear app, syncs with Apple Health seamlessly. Thanks and keep it up!
Lucies_22
The application works fine, I am bothered by the impossibility of setting a dark theme. (A dark screen would be cool.)
Jana Slovakova
Elonga is great. Nice clear app, for me everything is written from Apple Health without any problems. Thanks and just so on.
