Pacing templates for performance optimization
Inventors
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-12076122-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-03
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 delivering pacing guidance to an individual performing an activity based on a physiological strain index (PSI) or an adaptive physiological strain index (aPSI). The system includes a heart rate monitor, memory storing multiple pacing templates, a clock, an activity completion module, an output device, and a processor configured to calculate the PSI or aPSI from heart rate signals, track activity progress and elapsed time, select an appropriate pacing template from a look-up table, and output pacing recommendations based on these parameters.
The problem being addressed relates to risks of heat illness and thermal-work strain experienced by individuals in physically demanding professions or activities conducted in hot environments, especially when wearing personal protective equipment that limits thermoregulation. Conventional monitoring and work/rest scheduling approaches lack individualized feedback based on physiological signals, leading to risks such as heat exhaustion, collapse, or death. Additionally, inadequate pacing in these conditions leads to degraded performance and increased injury risks, both acute and cumulative.
This invention solves these issues by estimating the individual's thermal-work strain health state in real time from physiological data (primarily heart rate) and using a Markov decision process (MDP) to select optimal pacing strategies from prerecorded pacing templates. Through physiological feedback loops using heart rate, body core temperature estimates, activity completion data, environmental and clothing inputs, the system optimizes pace to minimize thermal strain and improve safety and performance, thus providing automated, adaptive pacing guidance tailored to the individual’s condition and task progress.
Claims Coverage
The claims include multiple independent claims directed to systems and methods for providing pacing guidance to an individual during activity performance. The inventive features cover physiological monitoring, activity tracking, temporal progress, pacing template selection, and output of pacing guidance based on computed physiological strain indices and activity completion state.
Pacing guidance system based on heart rate and activity completion
A system comprising a heart rate monitor, an activity completion module, a memory storing pacing templates and a look-up table, an output device, and a processor configured to receive heart rate and activity completion data, calculate a physiological strain index (PSI) using heart rate, select a pacing template based on PSI and amount of activity completed, and output pacing instructions accordingly.
Use of adaptive physiological strain index (aPSI) incorporating skin temperature
A system further including a skin temperature sensor enabling calculation of an adaptive physiological strain index based on heart rate, estimated core temperature, critical core temperature adaptively derived from skin-core temperature gradient, critical heart rate, resting heart rate, and resting core temperature, for selecting pacing templates with improved personalization.
Integration of time and activity completion into pacing template selection
Inclusion of a clock providing time data to the processor and use of time along with PSI and activity completion to select pacing templates from the memory's look-up table.
Incorporation of environmental and clothing factors in pacing template selection
Use of atmospheric sensors (temperature, humidity) and a clothing module to influence subset selection of pacing templates, allowing customization of pacing instructions based on environmental conditions and clothing thermal properties.
Method for processor-based pacing recommendation
A method involving receiving physiological strain signals or heart rate data, activity completion representation, calculation of PSI, selection of pacing templates using PSI and activity progress, and providing pacing information to the individual to adjust activity pace.
Activity identification for diverse activity templates
Receiving and using an identification of the activity being performed, enabling selection among plurality of pacing templates configured for activities such as running, cycling, hiking, swimming, climbing, walking, cardiovascular workouts, cleaning, washing a vehicle, skating, and combinations thereof.
The claims collectively cover systems and methods that monitor physiological strain primarily via heart rate, track activity progress, and use stored pacing templates adaptable to individual physiological and environmental factors to output optimized pacing guidance during physical activities.
Stated Advantages
Reduces overall thermal-work strain, improving safety during physical activities in hot or strenuous conditions.
Allows individualized pacing by adapting to real-time physiological state and activity progress.
Enables novices to quickly adopt superior pacing strategies and experts to optimize performance.
Supports optimization for environmental conditions and clothing impairing heat dissipation.
Facilitates real-time automated pacing guidance that can approach or match well-trained athlete efficiency.
Documented Applications
Providing pacing guidance for emergency workers, firefighters, first responders, tactical law enforcement, and military personnel performing heavy workloads in hot environments or while wearing personal protective equipment.
Athletic activities, such as running, cycling, hiking, swimming, climbing, walking, and cardiovascular workouts, where optimized pacing reduces heat strain and improves performance.
Physical tasks involving multiple stages or discrete actions, including cleaning, vehicle washing, skating, and potentially triathlon-like activities requiring pace management across different activity types.
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