Maximal Exercise Intensity Estimation Using SpO2 Pulse Inflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating maximal exercise intensity require individuals to exercise until they reach their maximum intensity, imposing significant physical and mental burdens and necessitating expensive equipment and expert supervision.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for estimating maximal exercise intensity by measuring blood oxygen concentration (SpO2) and pulse rate during a ramping load, identifying an inflection point to determine the intensity without reaching maximum exertion, using a wearable device or system to guide workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If golden standard methods (breath gas analysis or blood lactate concentration) are used to measure anaerobic threshold, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring expensive equipment and expert supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical measurement systems (breath gas analysis equipment, blood lactate testing) with optical sensing technology. Specifically, it uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to noninvasively measure muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure pulse rate, substituting expensive laboratory equipment with wearable optical sensors that can be used without expert supervision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables individuals to perform their own anaerobic threshold measurements without requiring expert supervision. By using self-contained wearable devices that automatically collect physiological data during exercise and compute the anaerobic threshold through algorithmic analysis of SmO2 and pulse rate relationships, the method empowers users to conduct measurements independently in various settings.
2Measurement precision
If subjects exercise until maximum intensity to reach RCP or AT, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to significant physical and mental burdens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring physiological parameters across a range of exercise intensities (from rest through progressive exercise) and using computational algorithms to estimate maximal exercise intensity and anaerobic threshold without requiring subjects to actually reach their maximum capacity. The system analyzes the relationship between SmO2 and pulse rate at submaximal intensities to extrapolate maximal values, reducing physical and mental strain while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If breath gas analysis equipment is used to measure RCP, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring mouthpiece connection and expert supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical breath gas analysis system requiring mouthpiece connection with noninvasive optical sensing. Wearable sensors measure muscle oxygen saturation and pulse rate without requiring any connection to the respiratory system, eliminating the need for mouthpieces and making the measurement process simple and comfortable for subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables individuals to perform their own respiratory compensation point measurements without expert supervision. The wearable device automatically collects SmO2 and pulse rate data during exercise and computes RCP through algorithmic analysis, allowing users to conduct measurements independently in various settings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately and economically determines maximal exercise intensity with minimal burden, enabling frequent assessment and efficient improvement of motor abilities for athletes and health-conscious individuals.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the pulse rate and a blood oxygen concentration (SpO2)
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a method, and a system, for estimating maximal exercise intensity, a training method whereby exercise is performed using the maximal exercise intensity estimated by the estimation method as a guideline, as well as an exercise instruction device capable of instructing, using an individual's maximal exercise intensity as a guideline, an exercise intensity that represents the person's maximal exercise intensity. As a solution, a method for estimating maximal exercise intensity, an estimation system capable of implementing this estimation method, as well as a training method, and an exercise instruction device, utilizing this estimation method, are provided, wherein such estimation method comprises: a step to give a ramping load to a subject to obtain a measured value of blood oxygen concentration (SpO2) at each different workload over a range that covers at least a part of 90 to 100%, while measuring the pulse rate simultaneously with the SpO2; and a step to determine an inflection point at which the behavior of SpO2/pulse rate changes as the workload increases beyond an optimal exercise intensity; wherein the exercise intensity at the inflection point is estimated as a maximal exercise intensity for the subject.