Pacing templates for performance optimization
Inventors
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-11571134-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-07
Expiration Date
2037-04-17
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Abstract
A system or a method for providing pacing guidance to an individual for a particular activity based on a physiological strain index (PSI) or an adaptive physiological strain index (aPSI). The system in at least one embodiment includes a heart rate monitor, a memory storing multiple pacing templates, a clock, an activity completion module, an output device, and a processor configured to perform multiple steps resulting in outputting pacing information to the individual. The pacing information selected in at least one embodiment is based on the individual's heart rate that provides in part a PSI or aPSI, the elapsed time for the activity, and the amount of progress through the activity.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for offering real-time pacing guidance to an individual performing a particular activity based on a physiological strain index (PSI) or an adaptive physiological strain index (aPSI). The system includes components such as a heart rate monitor, a memory storing multiple pacing templates, a clock, an activity completion module, an output device, and a processor. The processor receives inputs including heart rate signals, elapsed time, and the amount of activity completed, calculates the PSI or aPSI, selects an appropriate pacing template from stored templates based on these inputs, and outputs pacing information to the individual.
The system estimates the individual's physiological strain state (PSS) by using sensors or other data to measure heart rate and optionally body core temperature and skin temperature. The pacing templates are optimized for specific tasks and can be adjusted for environmental conditions and clothing worn by the individual. This approach allows tailoring pacing to minimize thermal-work strain and to improve physiological performance by considering the individual's current physiological state and progress in the activity.
The background outlines the problem that heat illness is a serious risk for individuals engaged in heavy workloads, hot environments, or wearing protective equipment that limits thermoregulation, such as firefighters, military personnel, athletes, and first responders. Current methods relying solely on environmental conditions fail to account for individual differences and motivation, leading to risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and impaired performance. There is a need for systems that provide real-time personalized pacing advice to manage thermal-work strain effectively and reduce health risks.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims include multiple independent claims covering systems and methods for providing pacing guidance to individuals based on physiological strain indices and activity progress, incorporating various sensors and modules. Four main inventive features are identified.
System for pacing guidance using heart rate and activity completion signals
A system comprising a heart rate monitor, memory storing multiple pacing templates with a look-up table, an activity completion module, an output device, and a processor. The processor calculates a physiological strain index (PSI) from the heart rate signal, receives the amount of activity completed, selects an appropriate pacing template based on PSI and activity completion using the look-up table, and outputs pacing guidance.
System including clock and adaptive physiological strain index (aPSI) with environmental and clothing inputs
An enhanced system further including a clock providing elapsed time for pacing template selection, a skin temperature sensor to calculate adaptive physiological strain index (aPSI), atmospheric sensors for environmental conditions, and a clothing module to adjust pacing templates according to clothing worn, where the processor uses these inputs to select pacing templates.
System with physiological strain state (PSS) module for pacing guidance
A system variant comprising a physiological strain state (PSS) module that provides a strain signal used by the processor to calculate PSI, combined with a clock, activity completion module, memory storing multiple pacing templates, and output device. The processor selects pacing templates based on PSI, time, and activity completion and provides pacing information.
Method for recommending pace based on physiological strain and activity completion
A method performed by a processor that receives physiological strain signals from a PSS module or heart rate monitor, activity completion data, optionally time signals and environmental conditions, calculates a physiological strain index (PSI), selects a pacing template from stored templates based on these parameters, and provides pacing guidance to the individual.
The claims collectively cover systems and methods integrating heart rate or physiological strain data, activity progress, time, environment, and clothing factors to select pacing templates from stored policies, thereby providing personalized pacing recommendations for optimized performance and heat strain management.
Stated Advantages
Enables real-time monitoring and personalized pacing to prevent thermal injury and heat illness.
Improves physical performance by reducing overall thermal-work strain during activity.
Allows novices to quickly adopt pacing strategies better than their own and helps experts optimize pacing.
Adapts pacing guidance to individual fitness levels, environmental conditions, clothing, and activity specifics.
Decreases physiological strain measures such as heart rate, core temperature, and perceived exertion compared to self-pacing.
Documented Applications
Providing real-time pacing guidance to athletes during activities such as running, cycling, swimming, climbing, and cardiovascular workouts.
Helping firefighters, tactical law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel manage thermal strain when working in hot environments and wearing personal protective equipment.
Optimizing pacing for individuals performing physically demanding occupational tasks in hot or thermally stressful conditions.
Use in personal wearable devices or systems incorporated into watches or portable electronics to monitor and guide pacing based on physiological and environmental sensors.
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