Non-Invasive Anaerobic Threshold Estimation via Heart Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exercise capacity tests, particularly those measuring anaerobic threshold, can be invasive and costly, often relying on blood tests that individuals are reluctant to undergo, and may overestimate results, while existing methods are hard on the body and not commonly accessible.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a heart rate detector and anaerobic threshold estimator to calculate anaerobic threshold based on heart rate changes, including deflection points and steady-state heart rates, without the need for blood tests, incorporating kinetic energy calculations to monitor exercise intensity and provide personalized exercise programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood testing is used to determine anaerobic threshold, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to pain and reluctance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blood drawing process with a non-invasive heart rate monitoring system. Instead of physically extracting blood samples, the system uses optical sensors to detect heart rate variations during exercise, substituting a minimally invasive physiological measurement approach for a painful invasive procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heart rate as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine anaerobic threshold. Rather than directly measuring blood lactate levels through blood tests, the system uses heart rate responses during exercise as a mediator that correlates with anaerobic threshold, providing equivalent information without the harmful effects of blood drawing.
2Measurement precision
If blood testing device is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive optical sensors and standard exercise equipment instead of expensive blood testing devices. The system uses readily available components like heart rate monitors and exercise machines that can be found in gyms or homes, eliminating the need for specialized laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex blood analysis machinery with simple optical sensing technology. Instead of requiring sophisticated laboratory instruments to analyze blood samples, the system uses straightforward optical sensors to detect heart rate, dramatically reducing equipment complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If exercise capacity test is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to physical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring heart rate responses at specific exercise intensities rather than requiring maximum exertion. Instead of pushing users to absolute maximum capacity which causes excessive physical stress, the system measures physiological responses at controlled intensity levels that are sufficient for accurate anaerobic threshold determination without overwhelming physical demand.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating an anaerobic threshold may include a heart rate detector configured to detect a heart rate from a signal sensed from a user, and an anaerobic threshold estimator configured to estimate an anaerobic threshold of the user based on a change in the detected heart rate.