Non-invasive Anaerobic Threshold Estimation via Heart Rate and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining anaerobic threshold intensity (AnT) are invasive, require specific exercise protocols, and are not accurate due to individual variability and laboratory-based testing, making it difficult to non-invasively analyze AnT in real-life scenarios outside laboratory conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously measures heart rate and external workload during freely performed exercises, filters data points, calculates probability factors based on heart rate variability and workload, and estimates AnT as a weighted value of heart rates in different segments, allowing for non-invasive and accurate determination of AnT intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based testing with blood lactate samples is used to determine AnT, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and reliability in real-life scenarios worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood sampling method with an optical/electronic system using heart rate monitoring and power output measurement. The system substitutes direct physiological measurement (blood lactate) with indirect physiological parameter measurement (heart rate and power), eliminating the need for invasive procedures while maintaining AnT determination capability through computational analysis of the substituted parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heart rate and power output as intermediary parameters that mediate between the unmeasurable direct lactate threshold and the observable training conditions. These intermediaries serve as proxies that correlate with AnT without requiring direct measurement of lactate, enabling non-invasive AnT determination through the relationship between heart rate, power output, and physiological threshold.
2Measurement precision
If specific incremental exercise protocols are used in laboratory settings, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to real-life scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, protocol-bound laboratory testing approach into a dynamic system that adapts to freely performed exercise. The system continuously monitors heart rate and power output during natural exercise variations, adjusting measurements in real-time without requiring adherence to predetermined incremental protocols. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while enabling application in diverse, uncontrolled real-life exercise scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that functions across multiple exercise types and intensities without requiring protocol-specific calibration. The heart rate and power output measurement system applies universally to different exercise modalities (cycling, running, etc.) and exercise patterns (steady-state, interval, freely performed), eliminating the need for modality-specific testing protocols while maintaining AnT determination accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If blood lactate sampling is performed during exercise, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the invasive blood sampling process and relocates it to non-invasive heart rate and power output monitoring. By separating the essential measurement objective (determining AnT) from the harmful method (blood puncture), the system achieves the same informational goal without the harmful effects of invasiveness, pain, and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and invasive blood analysis process with inexpensive, disposable heart rate monitoring sensors and power measurement systems. These low-cost substitutes provide sufficient data for AnT determination without the high costs and risks associated with laboratory blood analysis, making the measurement process accessible and comfortable for regular use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining anaerobic threshold intensity (AnT) of a user in a freely performed physical exercise. A physiological response of a user is measured by heart rate and measured heart rate values are recorded as heart rate data. An external workload values are recorded and are each associated with one measured heart rate values to form a plurality of data points. The data points are filtered to form accepted data points, which are classified within a plurality of heart rate segments representing a heart rate within an anaerobic threshold (AnT) of the user. A data point with highest probability is stored for each segment. A first probability factor for each accepted data point is calculated. The calculated first probability factor is compared to a stored probability factor in each segment, and the higher probability factor is retained. AnT is calculated using the stored probabilities in each segment.