Wearable sports gadget for measuring lactate and muscle tension threshold in athletes

Abstract

The wearable sports gadget described is a wristband designed to measure blood lactate levels and muscle tension threshold. Unlike existing models that require a blood sample, this gadget uses two impedance probes and an IR sensor to measure blood impedance and oxygen levels in the blood. It can detect when the body is in an anaerobic state, indicating the presence of lactic acid. Additionally, a piezoelectric sensor on the back of the wristband records body vibrations to measure muscle tension threshold. This data can help athletes monitor their performance and make adjustments as needed, such as using an oxygen mask. Overall, this wearable gadget offers a convenient and non-invasive way to monitor vital health indicators while engaging in physical activity.

Description

Wearable Sports Gadget for Measuring Lactate and Muscle Tension Threshold in Athletes

[0001] The issue of measuring indicators related to a person's health during sports activities is very important and can be valuable and vital for athletes and coaches in order to improve performance and improve records and increase health. In this regard, in recent years, many companies in the world have provided various tools for measuring health-related parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, hemoglobin, the amount of calories consumed, and monitoring physical activities with numerous studies.

[0002] Many of these devices in the form of smart watches, specialized wristbands and wearable gadgets are now available in international markets, most of which have the ability to connect to smartphones. For example, many well-known companies have several models of sports smart watches that contain blood oxygen control sensors, blood pressure sensors, sleep monitoring sensors, and ECG heart monitors. Usually, these watches have The built-in GPS is used to measure the distance traveled and the accelerometer sensor is used to measure the speed.

[0003] What seems to be lacking in these gadgets is a wearable device that would measure other important factors such as lactate levels in a non-invasive manner. Moreover, muscle fiber tension threshold is a crucial factor for professional trainers and the current devices do not measure this parameter. In the claimed invention, such issues have been considered and a design is presented.

[0004] A61B 5 / 00 – G16H 20 / 30

[0005] US20160270725

[0006] WEARABLE LACTATE THRESHOLD MONITOR

[0007] A wearable device for monitoring a lactate threshold can include at least one magnet configured to provide a static magnetic field to an anatomical region, a power supply, and a radio frequency (RF) module connected to the power supply. The RF module can provide pulsating RF signals across the static magnetic field and emit energy into, and receive response signals from, the anatomical region over a period of time. The response signals can enable detection of a change in H+ concentration in the anatomical region, the change enabling detection of the lactate threshold. The wearable device can be used during a variety of exercises at selectable anatomical locations.

[0008] The mentioned patent shares an overall purpose with our claimed one in terms of providing a monitoring device for lactate levels. However, the use of magnets and the RF signals make the method completely different form our proposed one. Moreover, ours provides additional data regarding blood oxygen levels and muscle tension threshold while this one makes no mention of such function.

[0009] WO2018118703

[0010] DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FITNESS LEVEL MONITORING USING CONTINUOUS LACTATE MONITORING DEVICE

[0011] Method, device and system for providing fitness level indication metric using continuously monitored lactate level fluctuation from a lactate monitoring device, lactate peak level information, and / or calories expended information are disclosed.

[0012] This mentioned invention shares some common ground with our claimed one, in that they both offer lactate monitoring solutions for fitness purposes. But their comprising elements and methods are different, for instance, this one uses a plurality of electrodes and several electronic units, whereas ours relies on impedance probes and infrared while focusing on convenience, portability and a simple user-friendly design. Also, unlike this one, our design provides information regarding the muscle tension threshold.

[0013] US20170105664

[0014] REAL-TIME AND CONTINUOUS DETERMINATION OF EXCESS POST-EXERCISE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AND THE ESTIMATION OF BLOOD LACTATE

[0015] The current invention pertains to an apparatus and method for the determination of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and the estimation of blood lactate levels. While these exercise parameters are traditionally determined using indirect calorimetry and blood sampling, this invention provides a method for the determination of these parameters using heart rate data. A wearable photoplethysmography device for measuring heart rate is included as an exemplary embodiment, however, the method of the current inventions can also be used with heart rate data from any heart rate monitor. In an embodiment of the present invention a supply demand differential equation is used to continuously monitor EPOC in real-time. Furthermore, blood lactate levels can also be estimated as a function of EPOC. Importantly, the process of determining EPOC and blood lactate can be linked to a biomathematical model of human physiology to access additional parameters such as hormonal changes, body composition changes or other physiological fluctuations or transient physiological behavior.

[0016] This invention also provides means of measuring blood oxygen levels and lactic acid, but the design includes optical sensors and priotizes analyzing biomathematical parameters specifically after training sessions. On the other hand, our claimed patent includes the use of infrared and impedance probes to measure lactate levels as well as muscle tension threshold during exercises. Therefore, the two patents have different approaches methods and comprising parts.

[0017] US20150208970A1

[0018] Lactate measuring device and method for training adjustment in sports

[0019] The invention relates to a method for training adjustment in sports. The method may measure lactate concentrations in the body of a person by a lactate measuring device comprising a transdermal microneedles sensor. The method for training adjustment in sports includes steps of: measuring a lactate concentration value in the body of a user by the transdermal microneedles sensor; comparing the lactate concentration value with a predetermined value; and informing the user to reduce exercise intensity if the lactate concentration value is higher than the predetermined value, otherwise informing the user to increase exercise intensity if the lactate concentration value is lower than the predetermined value. The invention also relates to a lactate measuring device.

[0020] This invention resembles our claimed one in their training adjustment function and lactate level measurement. However, it utilizes microneedles and features a circuit board while ours uses infrared and impedance probes in a non-invasive manner. Also, ours provides information regarding the muscle tension threshold in real time whereas this one does not.

[0021] United States Patent 10213155

[0022] Method and apparatus for processing user lactate level information

[0023] A method and apparatus for receiving, from a wearable sensor, current lactate level information of a user; setting, by the user, a target fatigue value; determining target lactate level information based on the target fatigue value; receiving characteristics of a physical exercise including information of an end of the physical exercise; determining adjusted characteristics of the physical exercise in order to match the current user lactate level information in the end of the physical exercise with the target lactate level information, based on the current lactate level information of the user, the target lactate level information and the characteristics for the physical exercise; and providing feedback to the user based on the adjusted characteristics of the physical exercise.

[0024] This inventions shares common ground with our claimed design in offering lactate level information to optimize physical training. The type of apparatus, the parts and the processing of data are however, done in a different manner compared to ours. For example, this one does not provide data regarding muscle tension threshold and ours does not comprise a circuitry.

[0025] The wearable sports gadget presented here is a wristband that helps athletes monitor their bodies during physical activity. Traditionally, measuring blood lactate levels required a painful blood sample, but this innovative gadget utilizes technology to make the process non-invasive. The device features two impedance probes and an IR sensor, and provides real-time measurements of blood impedance and oxygen levels in the blood. By analyzing these readings, the gadget can accurately determine when the body enters an anaerobic state, indicating the buildup of lactic acid.

[0026] In addition to monitoring blood lactate levels, the device also features a piezoelectric sensor that tracks muscle tension threshold. By recording body vibrations, this sensor provides valuable insights into muscle fatigue and performance for athletes.

[0027] Overall, this wearable gadget offers athletes a convenient and comprehensive way to monitor their vital health indicators while engaging in physical activity. By providing valuable data in a user-friendly manner, this gadget empowers athletes to make informed decisions about their training and performance, ultimately helping them reach their full potential.

[0028] After performing intense exercises, a state known as hypoxia or lack of oxygen is generally formed in the body, and therefore, a substance called lactic acid is secreted from the cells into the blood. The presence and excess of lactic acid in body tissues causes pain and burning in the athlete's body. While the maximum oxygen consumption capacity can show the potential of the athlete and his ability, his lactate threshold can also help him to set a better training program for himself. Athletes usually use their lactate threshold to estimate how much they should train and how fast they can finish endurance sports.

[0029] Many athletes and coaches use complex exercises to increase the lactate threshold, so measuring blood lactate is of great importance in sports. Blood lactate measurement methods are currently based on the use of special kits and by taking blood samples from a person after physical activity. In fact, the measurements are done offline and after performing the sports activity when the person is out of the intensity of the training, and this is considered a weakness and problem. Existing gadgets measure parameters such as blood pressure, blood oxygen, heart rate, etc., even though one of the important factors in sports is the measurement of muscle strength, or in other words, the tension capacity of muscle fibers.

[0030] Currently, there is no such device, wristband, smart watch, or wearable gadget that utilizes a piezoelectric sensor to monitor lactate levels and measure muscle tension threshold. Therefore, the first goal of this invention is to design and manufacture a wristband or wearable gadget which makes it possible to measure blood lactate online without the use of a blood sample by using impedance probes and IR sensors on it. The second purpose of this invention is to measure the muscle tension threshold of the fibers in order to create a more informed training experience for professional athletes.Solution of Problem

[0031] This sports gadget is designed to measure blood lactate as well as muscle tension threshold or muscle strength capacity. In fact, this wearable gadget is in the form of a wristband that has different parts to measure vital indicators related to health. As mentioned, one of the problems of measuring blood lactate in the current existing models is that it is necessary to use a blood sample and a drop of a person's blood to measure lactate, similar to measuring blood sugar. The next step was the offline measurement, which was done after the person performed sports activity and left the intensity of the exercise. This blood sampling and lactate measurement was done if these problems were solved in the wristband presented in this statement.

[0032] The claimed design proposes a process which uses two impedance probes and combines them with an IR sensor. This wristband has two impedance probes made of spring steel sheet, one of which is placed under the main hand of the wristband (above the wrist) and one on the hook of the wristband (below the wrist). These two probes measure blood impedance by sending signals at certain frequencies.

[0033] Moreover, an IR sensor with a specific frequency measures the amount of oxygen in the blood, and if the body experiences a loss of oxygen (hypoxia or anaerobic), naturally lactic acid flows into the blood through the body tissues and cells. In this case, if the impedance of the blood also changes, we realize that lactic acid has been injected into the blood. This gadget has the ability to alarm and provide feedback when the body is in an anaerobic state, and in this case, the athlete realizes that he can use an oxygen mask, for example.

[0034] Furthermore, in the back part of this wristband, there is a piezoelectric sensor to record body vibrations. This piezoelectric sensor records the vibration frequency and muscle tension threshold frequency in a certain period of time. This index is used to measure the tension threshold of muscle fibers.Advantage Effects of the Invention

[0035] • Measurement of blood lactate parameter online and during sports activity

[0036] • Measurement of blood lactate parameter without using blood sample

[0037] • Portable and light

[0038] • Ability to provide feedback to the athlete when reaching the anaerobic threshold (hypoxia)

[0039] • The ability to measure the muscle tension threshold

[0040] Shows an exploded view of the monitoring gadget and its comprising parts.

[0041] Shows a general view of the device components and the connection between its parts which are:

[0042] No. 1: The wristband strap

[0043] No. 2: Blood oxygen level and heart rate measurement module

[0044] No. 3: Impedance probe

[0045] No. 4 and 5: Infrared sensor

[0046] No. 6: Piezoelectric sensor

[0047] No. 7: Steel spring probesExamples

[0048] The execution method, for example, in the case of training with a pull up bar would involve wearing this wearable gadget on the athlete's wrist while exercising. After reaching anaerobic condition, the blood oxygen reduction is measured through the IR sensor and the blood impedance is measured through the probes. Then if there is a change in the impedance of the blood, we notice the entry of lactic acid into the blood. In addition, after a few pull up movements and reaching the limit of stagnation, the body vibrates transversely, which can record the frequency through a piezoelectric sensor. The measurements are displayed for the user and provide the necessary feedback.

[0049] This invention can be very widely used in various facilities such as sports clubs, gyms, physical therapy centers, medical sports centers, rehabilitation clinics, physical education institutes and even homes for personal use.

Claims

A wearable and adjustable sports gadget is designed for measuring lactic acid levels and the muscle tension threshold of athletes' muscle fibers which includes the following components:- A polymer strap worn around the wrist similar to a watch strap, and a screen.- Two blood impedance probes that are located on the strap and under the screen.- A number of piezoelectric sensors.- An infrared sensor.- Measurement modules.According to claim 1, the piezoelectric sensors are located behind the main screen of the wristband to record the vibration frequency in order to measure the threshold frequency of muscle tension in a certain period of time.According to claim 1, the infrared sensor behind the main screen of the wristband records and measures the blood oxygen level and heart rate with a certain frequency.According to claim 1, two impedance probes in the form of spring steel sheets are located, one under the screen above the wrist and one on the hook part of the wristband below the wrist.According to claim 1 and 4, the probes measure blood impedance by sending signals at specific frequencies.According to claim 1, when the body suffers from a loss of oxygen (hypoxia or anaerobic), the infrared sensor is activated, and if the impedance probes detect any changes, the amount of lactate in the blood is measured in real time.According to claim 1, the measurements and feedback regarding lactate levels and muscle tension are displayed on the screen.

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