EP2209535B1 - Method for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling and / or regulating a training and / or rehabilitation unit as a function of parameters of the breathing gas composition.

Out EP 1 055 393 A2 . EP 0 176 277 A2 and EP 1 825 888 A1 In each case devices for controlling and / or regulating training devices are known, in which the sensor unit are arranged in a face mask covering the breathing mask.

Out US 4,463,764 A For example, a training session is known in which the sensor unit is located in a mouthpiece that must be worn during exercise.

Out WO 00/19620 A1 is a head phone system known in which one can forward signals to a training facility. Signal forwarding means auditory and visual signals.

Maximum oxygen uptake (Vo _2max ) is considered a classic parameter for assessing endurance _performance . In addition, the parameter Vo _{2max is} used to define individual training _intensities . In the determination, one is dependent on the test person / patient maximum load, with which considerable limitations in terms of interpretation and application are connected. The Vo _2max value is dependent on the weakest link in a chain of physiological processes: ventilation, cardiovascular capacity and local O ₂ exhaustion in the musculature. The subject must be able to burden himself to complete exhaustion. Certain clinical pictures (eg heart diseases) exclude a maximum load from the outset. Alternative parameters for determining the performance are, on the one hand, threshold values in the submaximal Range determined from respiratory sizes and / or lactate concentrations in the blood. They have been widely used for a long time in performance diagnostics. On the other hand, kinetics of the heart rate and the oxygen uptake allow a more differentiated statement about the limiting factors of the Vo _2max .

In the search for the optimal research approach, the two criteria of minimum stress and ability to differentiate are in the foreground. On the one hand, even patients with a high risk profile can be examined, and on the other hand, an individualized treatment / training strategy is possible. This clearly speaks for the kinetic analyzes, which also have the advantage that the performance protocols used allow direct conclusions about the threshold values even when needed.

With the available, relevant literature it is clearly proven that the reproducibility is sufficiently large and in comparison studies with healthy subjects on the same scale as the Vo _2max determination (1, 2). The object of the present invention is to provide a method with which a person or an animal can, for example, complete special fitness or rehabilitation programs, the training and / or rehabilitation unit used depending on parameters of the breathing gas composition, in particular the Vo _2max values, the user can be controlled and / or regulated and without requiring a maximum load of the person or the animal is necessary.

1. a) eine von der Atemluft der Person oder des Tieres umströmte, in einem Headset angeordnete Sensor-Einheit im Strom der Inspirations- und Expirationsluft einer Person oder eines Tieres, welche/s die Trainings und/oder Rehabilitationseinheit verwendet, angeordnet wird,
2. b) mit Hilfe der von der Sensoreinheit gemessenen Atemgaszusammensetzung und/oder des gemessenen Atemflussvolumens physiologische Parameter der Ventilation und/oder des Gasaustausches der Person oder des Tieres bestimmt werden,
3. c) eine oder mehrere maximale Leistungskenngröße/n auf Grundlage der bestimmten Parameter
   • bei submaximaler Belastung mit Hilfe einer Regressionsfunktion und/oder
   • durch Ausbelastung bis zur maximalen Leistungsfähigkeit ermittelt wird/werden und
4. d) eine Widerstands- oder Bremsanordnung der Trainings und/oder Rehabilitationseinheit in Abhängigkeit mindestens eines der ermittelten Parameter und/oder der maximalen Leistungsparameter gesteuert und/oder geregelt wird, wobei als maximale Leistungskenngröße die maximale Sauerstoffaufnahme (VO2max) bestimmt wird, wobei die Widerstands- oder Bremsanordnung der Trainings- und/oder Rehabilitationseinheit derart gesteuert und/ oder geregelt wird, dass die O2-Aufnahme (VO2) der Person oder des Tieres auf einen vorbestimmbaren anteiligen Wert der maximalen Sauerstoffaufnahme (VO2max) eingestellt wird, wobei die Widerstands- oder Bremsanordnung der Trainings- und/ oder Rehabilitationseinheit derart gesteuert und/oder geregelt wird, dass die 02-Aufnahme (VO2) während der Belastung bei einem Wert zwischen 20 % bis 80 % der maximalen Sauerstoffaufhahme (VO2max) konstant gehalten wird, wobei entweder durch Verwendung der gemessenen Sauerstoff- und/oder Kohlendioxid-Konzentrationsgradienten oder des Temperaturprofils auf dem Sensor die Flussrichtung des Atemgases ermittelt wird.

The problem was solved by a method wherein

1. a) a sensor unit surrounded by the breathing air of the person or of the animal and arranged in a headset is arranged in the flow of the inspiratory and expiratory air of a person or an animal using the training and / or rehabilitation unit;
2. b) physiological parameters of the ventilation and / or the gas exchange of the person or animal are determined with the help of the respiratory gas composition measured by the sensor unit and / or the measured respiratory flow volume,
3. c) one or more maximum performance measures / n based on the determined parameters
   • at submaximal loading with the help of a regression function and / or
   • is determined by utilization up to the maximum efficiency and / or
4. d) a resistance or braking arrangement of the training and / or rehabilitation unit is controlled and / or regulated as a function of at least one of the determined parameters and / or the maximum performance parameters, the maximum oxygen absorption (VO2max) being determined as the maximum performance parameter, the resistance values being or braking arrangement of the training and / or rehabilitation unit is controlled and / or regulated so that the O2 intake (VO2) of the person or the animal is set to a predeterminable proportionate value of the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), wherein the resistance or braking assembly the training and / or rehabilitation unit is controlled and / or regulated so that the O 2 uptake (VO2) during loading at a value between 20% to 80% of the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is kept constant, either by using the measured oxygen and / or carbon dioxide concentration gradient o the temperature profile on the sensor, the flow direction of the breathing gas is determined.

The control and / or regulation of the training and / or rehabilitation unit thus effects, in the sense of the method, a load adjustment on the basis of determined parameters, preferably of maximum performance parameters, of the test person or of the animal. All of the process variants shown here can be used both in humans and in animals. The gases oxygen and carbon dioxide are optionally also designated by O ₂ or CO ₂ .

Preferably, in the sense of the method according to the invention as a parameter the gas exchange, the O ₂ uptake (Vo ₂ ), the CO ₂ release (Vco ₂ ) and / or derived parameters respiratory anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory quotient (RQ) and / or the oxygen _pulse (O _2Puls ) determined.

Preferably, the tidal volume (VT), the respiratory rate (fR) and the respiratory time volume (VE) and / or the respiratory equivalent derived therefrom for O ₂ (V _E / V _O2 ) can be determined as parameters of the ventilation.

In the method according to claim 1, the maximum oxygen uptake (Vo _2max ) is determined as the maximum performance characteristic. The physical performance is usually determined under gradual increasing load in the context of ergometry on the bicycle or treadmill. The standard measure of aerobic performance is the highest possible oxygen uptake during maximum load (Vo _2max ). This is the amount of O ₂ extracted from the inhaled gas per unit of time.

The Vo ₂ is given in l / min, for better comparability, a normalization to the body weight (ml / min / kg). Maximum oxygen uptake is an objective measure of physical performance; it defines the upper limit of the cardiopulmonary system and is used to estimate the state of training and fitness.

However, these classic methods have the disadvantages that the load of the test person is a prerequisite. Therefore, alternative parameters are increasingly being used to determine performance in the submaximal load range in performance diagnostics.

Therefore, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, the maximum oxygen uptake (Vo _2max ) at submaximal loading is determined by means of a regression function. A regression function for this purpose could, for example, be of the fundamental type of an exponential function according to Equation I: $${\mathrm{Vo}}_2\left(\mathrm{t}\right)={\mathrm{A}}_{\mathrm{c}}\cdot \left(1-{\mathrm{e}}^{-\mathrm{t}/\mathrm{tc}}\right)$$

Here A _{c is} the asymptotic amplitude and T _{c is} a time constant.

The signal noise in this relationship between the ergometer power input and the breath-by-breath total oxygen exchange (Vo _{2, t} ) can be minimized, for example, by an Eßfeld method (3). The method of random or pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) is used. That is, the performance of the ergometer changes in a sequence only between two low load levels, the change takes place randomly at predetermined intervals. The calculation of the noise thus allows lower power amplitudes for the test.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the resistance or braking arrangement of the training and / or rehabilitation unit is controlled and / or regulated such that the O ₂ intake (Vo ₂ ) of the person or animal to a predeterminable proportionate value of the maximum oxygen uptake (Vo _2max ) is set.

The resistance or braking arrangement of the training and / or rehabilitation unit will be controlled and / or regulated such that the O ₂ intake (Vo ₂ ) of the person during exercise at a value between 10% to 100%, preferably between 20% to 80%, more preferably between 30% to 60% of the maximum oxygen uptake (Vo _2max ) is kept constant. This enables optimal training success. In addition, the training can be adapted to the particular day shape of the person. Thus, a training device could be operated with a corresponding power, so that the person trains, for example, constantly with an O ₂ uptake (Vo ₂ ) of 40% of its Vo _2max value.

The sensor unit can be installed, for example, in a breathing mask, which is worn by a person or an animal. This arrangement has the particular advantage that an extremely low dead volume is present.

Alternatively, the sensor unit can be arranged in a headset (headset) or a similar means, all that matters is that the sensor unit is flowed around by the breathing air of the person or the animal.

In the context of the present invention, a headset is thus understood to mean a device which has at least one means for receiving the sensor unit and a means for fastening the device in the head region of the person or animal. The means for receiving the sensor unit must in any case be suitable to bring the sensor unit in the path of the breathing air of the person or the animal.

For a measurement of the oxygen saturation of the blood and / or for measuring the pulse of the user, an ear clip can additionally be used so that comprehensive performance data can be recorded and further medical characteristics of the user, such as the heart rate, can be recorded. The obtained measurement data can advantageously be recorded by means of a connected computer, optionally a personal digital assistant (PDA).

The training and / or rehabilitation unit may be, for example, an ergometer, fitness machine, crosstrainer, rowing ergometer, rowing machine, treadmill, walker device, spin bike or a bicycle. The resistance and / or braking arrangement of the training and / or rehabilitation unit may include, for example, a pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electromagnetic brake, an eddy current or band brake. A training and / or rehabilitation unit may thus comprise, for example, a frame, a means for absorbing power, such as pedals, a drive transmission system, a rotation element and a resistance and / or brake assembly. In particular, magnetic or electric eddy current brakes have the advantage that they can be easily controlled and are less susceptible to wear.

In this case, an oxygen concentration determination and / or a determination of the concentration of carbon dioxide by means of one or more liquid electrolyte sensors / sensors can preferably be carried out in the sensor unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, an oxygen concentration determination is carried out in the sensor unit as an alternative to the liquid electrolyte sensor
with the aid of a heatable electrochemical solid electrolyte sensor and / or a carbon dioxide concentration determination with the aid of a further heatable electrochemical solid electrolyte sensor and dependent on the respiratory flow volume of the person control of the heating power of heating elements of the sensors to maintain constant sensor temperatures using a micro Controller in a sensor control unit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the oxygen sensor for selectively conducting oxygen ions contains yttrium-doped zirconium oxide as an electrolyte between two electrodes, as well as a carrier element and a heating element, and the carbon dioxide sensor comprises an electrolyte composed of a superfast sodium ion conductor, two electrodes, a carrier element and a heating element contains (1). The aforementioned super-fast sodium ion conductor, also called NASICON, can be described by the formula Na ₃ -xZr ₂ (PO ₄ ) _{1 + x} (SiO ₄ ) _2-x ) (2). Sensors of this type have the advantage that they can be made very small and light and inexpensive. For example, dimensions of 20 x 3.5 x 0.5 mm can be achieved for such sensors (1). Such miniaturized sensors are thus particularly suitable for installation in a breathing mask.

Particularly advantageously, the determination of the oxygen concentration of the respiratory air by measuring the current at a constant voltage through the electrolyte of the oxygen sensor from the cathode to the anode current flowing, wherein a linear relationship between the resulting electric current and the oxygen concentration. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the carbon dioxide concentration is determined via a logarithmic relationship between the voltage between the electrodes of the carbon dioxide sensor and the carbon dioxide concentration. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the respiratory flow volume to be determined from the heating force of the heating elements of the sensors, which is controlled by the microcontroller and is necessary to maintain a constant sensor temperature.

The determination of the total flow rate of the respiratory air can be done with the sensor element taking advantage of the thin-film anemometry. Furthermore, can the flow direction of the breathing gas can be determined either by using the measured oxygen and / or carbon dioxide concentration gradients or the temperature profile on the sensor. The inventive method has the advantage that at the same time the volume flow, the flow direction and thus the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of the inspiratory air and the expiration air with a breath-by-breath resolution can be monitored. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations can therefore be clearly assigned to the inspiratory air and the expiration air.

The procedure can be performed completely or partially non-invasively. The non-invasive implementation is less expensive and more comfortable for the test person.

Furthermore, the method can be carried out using means for two- and three-dimensional visual representation, at least one acoustic output and / or recording means and means for generating wind temperature and / or odor. Furthermore, a means for the stimulation of the sense of touch may be present. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the components of the training and / or rehabilitation unit, including the controllable and / or controllable resistance and / or braking arrangement, the sensor unit and the control unit for the sensors via a computer system are interconnected and via such a computer system can be controlled and / or read out. In this case, the computer system can consist of at least one control computer with a user interface.

In an advantageous embodiment variant of the method are connected to the control computer via a network computer for image calculation for the right and left eye. The generated signals can be forwarded to a worn on the head of the user helmet with LCDs for creating a virtual environment (Head Mounted Display HMD). Alternatively, the generated signals can also be used for stereo production to produce a three-dimensional representation on a screen. Advantageous It is furthermore the case when the control computer is connected to one or more input devices with at least six degrees of freedom for determining the position and orientation and the input devices are optionally equipped with one or more keys. It is also advantageous that, for example, isometric, isotonic and / or elastic input devices are connected to the control computer, with these input devices, for example, an eye movement detection, body movement detection, head movement detection and / or position determination can be done. In a further advantageous embodiment, gestures, facial expressions and / or speech can be detected with the input devices. Thus, a combination of physical and mental stimuli is made possible and an aroma application or altitude training in a virtual three-dimensional environment feasible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the input device used is, for example, a head traker, which can also be attached to the helmet worn on the user's head with LCDs for generating the virtual environment (head-mounted display HMD). It is also advantageous that the visual representation unit reproduces a non-moving image, a moving or non-moving object, a computer graphic and / or two- and / or three-dimensionally moving images or films. It is also possible to use conventional monitors for the two-dimensional representation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the visual display unit can reproduce an image with a viewing angle of 0 to 179 ° or for the use of the system in the fields of fitness, wellness or medicine also an image with a viewing angle of 180 ° or more than 180 °, where also recorded by the user before moving and / or still real pictures can be displayed.

The acoustic output unit may include, for example, musical instruments, human voices, ambient sounds such as animal sounds, wind, rain, waterfalls, thunder and / or noise from vehicle engines, shots, pumps, Play explosions and / or earthworks. It is particularly advantageous if wind, temperature, odor and / or humidity can be adapted to the illustrated situation in virtual reality.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if instructions and / or instructions can be given to the user of the device via a communication unit and the user can contact a person starting the device via a communication unit. In an advantageous further development of the system more accurate blood-image analyzes before, during and / or after use can be carried out by the removal of blood. For example, with the aid of a cell analyzer connected to the computer system, preferably a device for flow cytometry, the composition of the blood cells can be determined exactly. Also, using specific antibody preferably coupled with a fluorescent dye, analysis of surface markers on cells is possible.

Furthermore, for example, a reduction in the oxygen content of the expiration air from 17% to 12% could be achieved by a corresponding increase in training load.

Furthermore, the ratio (respiratory quotient) of inspiratory to expiratory air can be kept constant by an individual load adjustment independently of the daily or training state during each training or therapy by the device according to the invention.

It is also advantageous if a computer program with program code is used for carrying out one or more of the abovementioned method steps according to the invention if the program is executed in a computer. It is advantageous if the computer program with program code for performing one or more of the above-mentioned method steps is stored on a machine-readable carrier when the program is executed in a computer.

Using the device according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention, for example top and competitive athletes can optimally prepare for upcoming competitions with altitude training units in a virtual, realistic environment. The realistic training under oxygen-poor conditions aimed at amateur and recreational athletes rather on the increase in personal performance and the individual condition level. In particular, the costly and time-consuming flights and stays in high mountain regions can be saved. Furthermore, a much more efficient training is possible because the system is available 24 hours and logistically easily accessible.

In the area of rehabilitation or wellness, for example, this system could combine an aroma application with passive altitude training and oxygen therapy in a virtual three-dimensional environment. In such an environment, such a combination of relaxation and improvement in personal performance and strengthening of the immune system could be achieved.

In the field of medicine, the system can be used for aroma application, altitude training and / or oxygen therapy in a three-dimensional environment, stimulating the four senses of sight, touch, smell and hearing. The mobilization of the body's defense system achieved in this way makes it possible to use it in people with diseases such as cancer, allergies and diseases of the metabolism.

Furthermore, especially the technique of three-dimensional representation offers the possibility of positively influencing specific mental illness patterns, such as fears in autoimmune system diseases, through the effect of images and sounds.

Literature:

1. 1. AM Jones / DC Poole (ed.): Oxygen Uptake Kinetics in Sports, Exercise and Medicine. Routledge, 2005 ,
2. Second G. Kusenbach, R. Wieching, M. Barker, U. Hoffmann, D. Eßfeld: Effects of hyperoxia on oxygen uptake kinetics in cystic fibrosis patients as determined by pseudo-random binary sequence exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol (1999) 79: 192-196 ,
3. Third D. Eßfeld, U. Hoffmann, and J. Stegemann. Vo2 kinetics in subjects differing in aerobic capacity: investigation by spectral analysis. Eur J Appl Physiol (1987) 56: 508-515 ,

Claims (10)

1. A method for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit, wherein

   a) a sensor unit flowed around by the breathing air of a person or an animal and arranged in a headset is arranged in the flow of inspired and expired air of a person or an animal using the training and/or rehabilitation unit,

   b) physiological parameters of ventilation and/or gas exchange of the person or the animal are determined with the aid of the respiratory gas composition and respiratory flow volume measured by the sensor unit,

   c) one or more maximum performance variables are established on the basis of the determined parameters under submaximal loading with the aid of a regression function and/or by limit loading to the maximum performance capability, and

   d) a resistance or brake arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit is controlled and/or regulated as a function of at least one of the established maximum performance variables,

   wherein the maximum oxygen absorption (Vo2max) is determined as the maximum performance variable, wherein
   the resistance or brake arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit is controlled and/or regulated in such a manner that the O2 absorption (Vo2) of the person or the animal is adjusted to a proportionate value of the maximum oxygen absorption (Vo2max) which is pre-determinable,
   wherein the resistance or brake arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit is controlled and/or regulated in such a manner that the 02 absorption (Vo2) is kept constant during the loading at a value between 20% and 80% of the maximum oxygen absorption (Vo2max),
   wherein the flow direction of the respiratory gas is determined either by using the measured oxygen and/or carbon dioxide concentration gradients or the temperature profile on the sensor.
2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the O2 absorption (Vo2), the CO2-output (Vco2) and/or parameters derived therefrom, respiratory anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory quotient (RQ) and/or the oxygen pulse (O2Puls), are determined as the parameters of gas exchange.
3. The method according to Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the tidal volume (VT), the respiratory frequency (fR) and the minute ventilation (VE) and/or the ventilatory equivalent derived therefrom for O2 (VENO2) are determined as the parameters of ventilation.
4. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an oxygen concentration and/or a carbon dioxide concentration is/are determined with the aid of one or more liquid electrolyte sensor(s) in the sensor unit.
5. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

   - an oxygen concentration is determined with the aid of a heatable electrochemical solid electrolyte sensor, and/or a carbon dioxide concentration is determined with the aid of a further heatable electrochemical solid electrolyte sensor, in the sensor unit, and

   - the heating power of heating elements of the sensors is controlled, depending on the respiratory flow volume of the person, with the aid of a microcontroller in a sensor control unit in order to maintain constant sensor temperatures.
6. The method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the oxygen concentration of the breathing air is determined by measuring the current flowing at constant voltage through the electrolyte of the oxygen sensor from the cathode to the anode, wherein a linear relationship exists between the resulting electrical current and the oxygen concentration.
7. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the carbon dioxide concentration is determined by means of a logarithmic relationship between the voltage between the electrodes of the carbon dioxide sensor and the carbon dioxide concentration.
8. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the respiratory flow volume is determined from the heating power of the heating elements of the sensors which is required to maintain a constant sensor temperature and which is controlled by the micro-controller.
9. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the total flow rate is determined with the aid of the sensor unit, utilizing thin-film anemometry.
10. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the volume flow, the flow direction and, consequently, the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of the inspired air as well as the expired air are monitored at the same time with a breath-by-breath resolution.