Encoded metabolic data for transfer and subsequent use, methods of use, and apparatus for using the encoded metabolic data

[0001] Under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 119(e), priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/435,905, filed on Dec. 20, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference by this reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to methods and protocols for encoding and transferring metabolic data for subsequent use during exercise or physical exertion and, more specifically, to methods and protocols for encoding and transferring metabolic data for subsequent use in tailoring metabolic data obtained during exercise or physical exertion to the subject to which the encoded metabolic data corresponds. In addition, the present invention includes apparatus with which the encoded metabolic data may be used.

[0004] 2. Background of Related Art

[0005] Metabolic rate is the rate at which a subject (e.g., an individual) produces heat, or metabolizes, consumes, or burns, energy in the form of calories that the subject's body has stored from food consumed by the subject. Various methods have long been used to determine the metabolic rate of a subject.

[0006] One example of a method for determining the metabolic rate of a subject includes determining the subject's metabolic rate at rest, while awake with no physical exertion, which is also commonly referred to in the art as the resting metabolic rate (RMR) or basal metabolic rate (BMR) of the subject. Resting metabolic rate is the number of calories that may be consumed by a subject over a given period of time (e.g., one day) if the subject were not to be subjected to any physical activity, or exertion, over that period of time. The resting metabolic rate of a subject is often used by nutritionists and personal trainers working with a subject, as well as by the subject themselves, to develop a diet or exercise regimen for the subject that will help the subject achieve one or more particular goals, such as improving the cardiovascular health and fitness of the subject, reducing the subject's weight, improving the subject's strength, and the like.

[0007] As another example, exercise metabolic tests are often used to extract key physiologic information about a subject at exercise. Such a test may be conducted at varying degrees, or intensities of exercise or other physical exertion. The exercise metabolic test uses a metabolic analysis system to evaluate the maximum oxygen consumed during exercise (Peak VO₂) or VO_{2 max}. The test also determines the anaerobic threshold or point at which the subject begins to incur an oxygen debt or when the subject's metabolism begins to be anaerobic. Heart rate is also monitored during the exercise metabolic test so that the heart rates at which the metabolic events (peak and anaerobic threshold) can be used for markers of exercise intensity during later exercise sessions.

[0008] In the typical exercise metabolic test, the protocol calls for measurement of oxygen consumption and heart rate at steadily increasing exercise intensity levels. The exercise workload is increased until the subject reaches the point of exhaustion. The data is then analyzed to determine peak heart rate and VO₂ levels, as well as heart rate and VO₂ levels at anaerobic threshold. The number of calories burned is calculated directly from the measured oxygen consumption (VO₂) by use of known algorithms.

[0009] The results of an exercise metabolic test can be used to tailor future exercise tests to the specific needs of the subject. For example, the results of an exercise metabolic test may be used to develop an exercise program with particular characteristics (e.g., intensity, duration, type or types of exercise, combinations thereof, etc.) to achieve a particular goal (e.g., improve cardiovascular fitness and health, weight loss, strength conditioning, etc.). They can also be used to calculate the precise amount of calories that are burned during an exercise session based on the heart rate as measured during the exercise session.

[0010] One of the main benefits of an exercise metabolic test is the ability to measure the amount of calories burned at various levels of exercise intensity. Again, simultaneously measured heart rates can be measured and used to provide a relationship between heart rate and caloric expenditure during future exercise sessions.

[0011] Nonetheless, the inventors are not aware of any methods or systems for inputting exercise metabolic data from an exercise metabolic test into apparatus (e.g., one or more processing elements of exercise apparatus or apparatus to be used during exercise) during exercise or other physical exertion to provide a subject to which the exercise metabolic data corresponds with accurate information on the results of such physical exertion.

[0012] To make the results of an exercise test more useful, they should be readily and easily communicated to metabolism monitoring equipment that will indicate to a subject the affects (e.g., number of calories burned during the course of physical exertion) that the exercise or other physical exertion has on the subject. The present invention includes systems and methods for providing data representative of a subject's metabolism and subsequent use of such data in one or more processing elements of different exercise apparatus or apparatus that are to be used during exercise or other physical exertion. In addition, exercise apparatus which are configured to receive such data, as well as to use such data to calculate exercise results which are tailored to a subject to whom the data applies, are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention includes methods for configuring data into an easily transferable form. The present invention includes encoding metabolic data that pertains to a particular subject into a simple form (e.g., in the form of numeric digits, letters, or a combination thereof) that can be easily remembered by the subject. Alternatively, the data may be stored in any known and useful manner (e.g., in a bar code, magnetically, electronically, etc.).

[0014] When the subject exercises or otherwise physically exerts him or herself, the encoded data may be used by that subject to provide the subject with accurate information about that subject's metabolism during the physical exertion. By way of example only, the encoded data may be entered into a processing element associated with metabolic monitoring equipment (e.g., exercise equipment, a portable monitoring device to be used by the subject, etc.). One or more metabolic characteristics (e.g., heart rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide elimination, etc.) may be measured as the subject subsequently exercises and the encoded data used to provide the subject with tailored information about the metabolic results (e.g., the number of calories burned, rate at which calories are burned) of the subsequent exercise.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention includes metabolism monitoring equipment including at least one processing element configured to receive the encoded metabolic data for a subject and to provide the subject with information about the results of the exercise which is tailored to the subject. Such metabolism monitoring equipment includes, but is not limited to, computers of exercise equipment, portable exercise monitors configured to be carried by the subject, and the like.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through a consideration of the ensuing description and the appended claims.

[0017] In the drawings, which depict various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of portable metabolism monitoring equipment according to the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example of exercise equipment including a computer comprising metabolism monitoring equipment according to the present invention.

[0020] Personalized metabolic data for a subject may be obtained by any of a variety of techniques that are known in the art. Exercise metabolic tests are exemplary techniques for obtaining personalized metabolic data. The exercise metabolic testing may be effected at one exercise intensity or at a plurality of different exercise intensities. During exercise metabolic testing, flow rates and carbon dioxide and/or oxygen levels of the respiration of subject may be determined with known apparatus and by known techniques. Additionally the heart rate of the subject may be determined, as known in the art.

[0021] From this information, various characteristics of the subject's metabolism, or metabolic data, may be determined, as known in the art, including, without limitation, the subject's heart rate at anaerobic threshold, the subject's peak heart rate, and the number of calories per hour burned by the subject at both anaerobic threshold and peak effort. The obtained data may then be encoded into a form which may be memorized and remembered by the subject to whom it pertains and which will be understood by, or have meaning to, a processing element associated with apparatus into which such encoded data is subsequently input. Alternatively, or in addition, the metabolic data may then be provided to the subject on a card (e.g., in print, on a magnetic strip, as a bar code, in a semiconductor chip carried by the card, etc.).

[0022] By way of example only, and not to limit the scope of the present invention, the encoded data may take the form of a pre-specified number of characters, such as digits, letters, or a combination of digits and letters. If letters are included, they may correspond to numbers in a known manner, such as the numbers that are accompanied by various letters on a touch-tone telephone keypad. As an example of the number of characters that are to be remembered by the individual or stored on a card, the metabolic data that pertains to a particular subject may be stored as a seven-digit number, similar to a telephone number. As another example, the metabolic data that pertains to the subject may be a nine-digit number, similar to a Social Security Number.

[0023] The data which is encoded is preferably useful in providing a basis for subsequent measurements of the metabolic activity of the subject with whom it is associated (e.g., as the subject exercises). As an example, the encoded data may include information about a variety of metabolic parameters, including, without limitation, the heart rate at peak or anaerobic threshold, the caloric burn rate at either peak or anaerobic threshold, and the slope of the line relating heart rate to caloric burn.

[0024] A few examples of the manner in which such encoding may be effected follow.

[0025] Form of Code: AAB-BCCC,

[0026] where

[0027] AA is the heart rate at anaerobic threshold minus () 80,

[0028] BB is the calories per hour burned at anaerobic threshold divided by (/) 10

[0029] CCC is the slope of the line relating calories per hour to heart rate multiplied by () 10.

[0030] If necessary, a leading zero may be applied.

[0031] As an example of the use of this type of code, if the following metabolic parameters have been measured for a particular subject:

Heart rate at Anaerobic	132	Beats per minute
Threshold
Peak Heart Rate	176	Beats per minute
Calories per hour at	456	Calories per hour
Anaerobic Threshold
Calories per hour at	903	Calories per hour
Peak Effort
Slope	10.15	Calories per hour/beats per minute,
		the encoded number would then be
		524-6102 or its equivalent
		KAHN102.

[0032] the encoded number would then be 524-6102 or its equivalent KAHN102.

[0033] Once this data has been input into a processing element associated with another apparatus, it may be decoded by use of the following algorithm:

[0034] where HR is a heart rate of a subject measured as the subject is exercising.

[0035] Form of code: AAA-BBCC,

[0036] where

[0037] AAA is the heart rate at anaerobic threshold,

[0038] BB is the calories per hour burned at anaerobic threshold divided by 10, and

[0039] CC is the inverted slope in beats per calorie.

[0040] Using the exemplary data given above in EXAMPLE 1, the modified slope would be 5.91 beats per calorie burned. We round to the nearest whole number to give 6 beats per calorie. The encoded value would then be 132-4606 or its equivalent 1ECHO0O.

[0041] The decoding equation would be:

[0042] Note that we must multiply by 60 to convert to calories per hour from calories per minute.

[0043] This embodiment has the advantages of being more intuitively understood. Specifically, using the first three digits for the entire heart rate at anaerobic threshold. Another intuitive advantage is use of the beats per calorie factor as a whole number. The disadvantage of this scheme is that it has poor resolution for some test results.

[0044] A variation of the embodiment of Example 2 that corrects this problem shifts the heart rate and allows 1 more digit for the beats per calorie portion of the encoded result. The encoding then becomes:

[0045] AAB-BCCC,

[0046] where

[0047] AA is the heart rate at anaerobic threshold 80,

[0048] BB is the calories per hour at anaerobic threshold divided by 100,

[0049] CCC is beats per calorie at anaerobic threshold (beats per minute, multiplied by 60 minutes per hour, divided by calories per hour at anaerobic threshold) multiplied by 10.

[0050] Using the data provided in EXAMPLE 1, (AA1328052; BB456/1005; CCC13260/456)10174), the encoded value would be 520-5174.

[0051] Alternatively, the heart rate and caloric burn rate at anaerobic threshold could be replaced by the corresponding heart rate and caloric burn rate at peak VO₂ and the numbers inserted into known algorithms to provide information (calories burned, calories burned per hour, etc.) tailored to the subject during physical exertion.

[0052] A variety of other schemes would be well within the skill of one in the art and, thus, are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In addition to the schemes of EXAMPLES 1-3, other parameters may be encoded. By way of example only, heart rates at peak or anaerobic threshold may be encoded, as may the age, weight, sex, body type, etc. of the subject to whom the encoded metabolic data pertains.

[0054] As an example of the use of such encoded metabolic data, it may be entered into a processing element of an exercise apparatus or other device associated with exercise (e.g., a heart rate monitor, etc.) and decoded by the exercise apparatus. When the subject to whom the encoded data pertains uses that exercise apparatus, and one or more characteristics of the subject's metabolism are measured during exercise (e.g., heart rate), the decoded data may be used along with the measured characteristics to calculate at least one metabolic parameter (e.g., calories burned). That metabolic parameter may then be output by the processing element, such as on a display screen of the exercise apparatus.

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable metabolic monitor 10, such as a heart rate monitor. As shown, portable metabolic may include a wristband 11 or other known means for snugly securing a cardiac rate monitor 14 to an appropriate location on the body of a subject. In addition, portable metabolic monitor 10 includes a processing element 12 (e.g., a processor, microcontroller, etc.) and memory 13 associated with processing element 12. Processing element 12 also communicates with cardiac rate monitor 14, as do an output element 16, an input element 17, and an optional communication device 18.

[0056] Cardiac rate monitor 14 comprises a known type of cardiac rate monitor and is configured to sense the pulse of a subject when positioned in proximity to a location on the subject, such as the subject's wrist or neck, where the pulse or cardiac rate of the subject can be accurately measured.

[0057] Input element 17 is useful for entering information, such as encoded metabolic data according to the present invention, into processing element 12. By way of example only, input element may comprise a multi-directional key, multiple single-directional keys, or a numeric, alphanumeric, or alphabetical key pad.

[0058] Data or other information derived from the measured cardiac rate of individual I is communicated to individual I through output element 16. Output element 16 may includes a display screen of a known type, such a light emitting diode (LED) or a field emission display (FED). Alternatively, output element 16 may comprise another type of visual display element, an audio alarm or other audio output device, or any other known type of output element that would be useful for communicating information to the subject. As another alternative, portable metabolic monitor 10 may include a combination of different types of output elements 16.

[0059] Communication device 18, if included, may be configured to facilitate communication between processing element 12 of portable metabolic monitor 10 and external apparatus, including cards with information encoded thereon (e.g., by way of a bar code reader, radiofrequency receiver, etc.) and other electronic devices. Communication device 18 may comprise any known communication element, such as a laser bar code scanner, a radiofrequency (RF) receiver, an infrared (IR) port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, or any other suitable type of input/output (I/O) port. In any event, the transmittal of data signals, or carrier waves, or other information to processing element 12 through communication device 18 may be controlled by one or both of processing element 12 of portable metabolic monitor 10 and a processing element of an external electronic device.

[0060] Once the encoded metabolic data is input into processing element 12, it may be used by processing element 12 to calculate, in real-time during physical exertion, metabolic information that is tailored to the subject. Processing element 12 may then cause such metabolic information to be output to output element 16 and, optionally, stored in memory 13 for later access by the subject.

[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 1, an example of the use of portable metabolic monitor 10 is illustrated. Encoded metabolic data which corresponds to the subject using portable metabolic monitor 10 is entered into processing element 12. Entry of the encoded metabolic data may, by way of example only, be effected manually (e.g., through input element 17) or with a card (from which information is read by communication device 18).

[0062] Portable metabolic monitor 10 is worn by a subject in such a manner that cardiac rate monitor 14 is in proximity to a location on the subject where the cardiac rate, or pulse, of the subject can be accurately monitored and measured. In use, cardiac rate monitor 14 communicates signals, or carrier waves, representative of the cardiac rate of the subject to processing element 12.

[0063] Upon receiving signals representative of the cardiac rate of the subject, processing element 12 determines a metabolic rate of the subject based on the measured cardiac rate and metabolic rate data of the subject that has been input therein (e.g., by use of input element 17 or communication device 18). The calculated metabolic rate of the subject may then be communicated from processing element 12 to output element 16, as known in the art. Accordingly, if output element 16 is a display screen, various data representative of the metabolic rate of the subject may be shown in a numerical or graphic format. For example, the total number of calories burned by the subject over a specified duration of time may be displayed, the rate at which the subject is currently burning calories may be displayed, or other data representative of the metabolic rate of the subject may be displayed. In addition, other information, such as the current time, the elapsed duration of physical exertion by the subject, and the current or average cardiac rate of the subject, may be shown on the display screen of output element 16.

[0064] Turning now to FIG. 2, a portion of an exercise machine 20, such as a treadmill, a so-called elliptical machine, a stationary bicycle, a stair climbing machine, a rowing machine, a weight machine, or the like, is depicted. Like portable metabolic monitor 10 (FIG. 1) may include a processing element 22, memory 23, a cardiac rate monitor 24, an output element 26, and input element 27, and, optionally, a communication device 28. With the possible exception of cardiac rate monitor 24, each of these elements is similar to its counterpart in portable metabolic monitor 10.

[0065] Cardiac rate monitor 24 may have any known or otherwise suitable configuration for use with a particular type or brand of exercise machine, such as a monitor embedded within a handle 25 of exercise machine, a band configured to be positioned on a portion of the body of a subject, or the like. Alternatively, the physical exertion of a subject may be measured by other means, such as the amount of power that must be generated to maintain a particular pace on the exercise machine or to complete a particular amount of work using the machine.

[0066] Use of encoded metabolic data with exercise machine 20 is substantially the same as that described above in reference to use of portable metabolic monitor 10 (FIG. 1).

[0067] As an alternative to relying solely upon information provided by cardiac rate monitor 24, however, metabolic data which is calculated during the course of physical exertion by a subject may be based completely or partially (e.g., along with cardiac rate data) on information about the amount of energy expended (or work conducted) by the subject during such physical exertion. The amount of energy expended by the subject may be determined by processing element 22 as a function of the direct amount of energy (e.g., in watts or joules) required by the subject to effect movement of an exercise component (not shown) of exercise machine 20, as known in the art.

[0068] Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.