EP4062983A1 - Method for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine and exercise machine thereof - Google Patents

Method for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine and exercise machine thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4062983A1
EP4062983A1 EP22164456.0A EP22164456A EP4062983A1 EP 4062983 A1 EP4062983 A1 EP 4062983A1 EP 22164456 A EP22164456 A EP 22164456A EP 4062983 A1 EP4062983 A1 EP 4062983A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
user
exercise machine
exercise
data processing
processing unit
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Pending
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EP22164456.0A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Nerio Alessandri
Alessandro Pasini
Silvano Zanuso
Andrea BISCARINI
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Technogym SpA
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Technogym SpA
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Publication of EP4062983A1 publication Critical patent/EP4062983A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0075—Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/0076—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system
    • A63B2022/0079—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system with a pulling cable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
    • A63B2024/0071—Distinction between different activities, movements, or kind of sports performed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
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    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
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    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
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    • A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
    • A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
    • A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
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    • A63B22/025—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor with speed variation electrically, e.g. D.C. motors with variable speed control
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    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
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    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
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    • A63B2220/18—Inclination, slope or curvature
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    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/12—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with mirrors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/04—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/40—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/40—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics
    • A63B2230/42—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics rate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
    • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
    • A63B23/1245—Primarily by articulating the shoulder joint
    • A63B23/1254—Rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, e.g. butterfly-type exercises

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the fitness sector and, in particular, to a method for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine and an exercise machine thereof.
  • Correct breathing is a very important aspect during a user's physical activity for optimal performance of a workout with an exercise machine during not only the warm-up and/or the performance but also during the recovery phase.
  • breathing acts on blood pressure, regulating it.
  • the respiratory system is linked to the cardiovascular system, and the frequency of both increases while performing a physical exercise.
  • the present invention also relates to an exercise machine implementing such a method.
  • An exercise machine 1 adapted to implement a method for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the aforesaid figures.
  • the exercise machine 1 may be any exercise machine usable by a user to perform a physical activity remotely (e.g., from home) or in a gym, either alone or in a workout class.
  • Figure 1a shows an example of a treadmill.
  • Figure 1b shows an example of a bike or an exercise bike (cyclette).
  • Figure 1c shows an example of a rowing machine.
  • Figures 1d , 1e, and 1f show examples of strength exercise machines.
  • Each strength exercise machine in figures 1d , 1e, and 1f has movable elements (shown in the figures) actuatable by a user for performing a strength exercise by moving a respective exercise load.
  • the movable elements are actuated by the user in a first direction of motion (so-called concentric motion), which simulates the lifting of a gravitational load (exercise load), and in a second direction of motion (so-called eccentric motion), in the direction opposite to the first direction of motion, which simulates the return of the gravitational load (exercise load) to the starting position.
  • the strength exercise machine comprises a motor (not shown in the figures) operatively connected, e.g., by mechanical kinematic mechanisms, to the movable elements.
  • the motor is configured to apply on the movable elements a resistive force representative of the exercise load which the user can move during the execution of the exercise by actuating the movable elements.
  • the strength exercise machine comprises a weight pack (partially shown in the figure) operatively connected, e.g., by mechanical kinematic mechanisms, to the movable elements.
  • the weight stack represents the exercise load that the user can move while performing the exercise by operating the movable elements.
  • the exercise machine 1 comprises a user interface 2 configured to allow a user to interact with the exercise machine 1.
  • the exercise machine 1 comprises a data processing unit 3, e.g. a microprocessor or a microcontroller.
  • a data processing unit 3 e.g. a microprocessor or a microcontroller.
  • the user interface 2 is operatively connected to the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1.
  • the exercise machine 1 further comprises a memory unit 4, operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the memory unit 4 can be either internal or external (as shown in figures 2a and 2b , for example) to the data processing unit 3.
  • the memory unit 4 is configured to store one or more program codes which can be executed by the data processing unit 3 and data generated and processed following the execution of said one or more program codes.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to control the operation of the exercise machine 1.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to execute steps of the method for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine, according to the present invention, as will be described below.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to acquire at least one parameter representative of a physical exercise being performed by the user with the exercise machine 1.
  • Parameter representative of a physical exercise being performed by the user with the exercise machine means any parameter relating to the exercise machine and/or the user and/or the workout program which can be acquired during the performance of the physical exercise by the data processing unit 3 because it can be detected by the data processing unit 3 (either directly or indirectly, as will be discussed below) or can be determined based on other parameters either acquired or known thereto or in that it is set automatically or manually by the user during the physical exercise according to a set workout program.
  • such at least one parameter representative of a physical exercise comprises, either alternatively or in combination (and/or) with each other:
  • such at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise comprises, either alternatively or in combination with each other:
  • such at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise comprises, either alternatively or in combination with each other:
  • the exercise machine 1 is a strength exercise machine (strength machine) such at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise comprises, either alternatively or in combination with each other:
  • said at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise can comprise a set time period of the workout program, e.g. the cool-down period at the end of a physical exercise (running, walking, cycling or rowing) or the pre-workout (or warm-up) period needed to prepare the body better for the workout.
  • a set time period of the workout program e.g. the cool-down period at the end of a physical exercise (running, walking, cycling or rowing) or the pre-workout (or warm-up) period needed to prepare the body better for the workout.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to directly acquire the at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise (e.g., if such a parameter is a parameter set either automatically or manually by the user and/or automatically provided by the workout program).
  • the exercise machine 1 further comprises a sensor unit 5 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the sensor unit 5 (shown symbolically in figures 2a and 2b ) comprises a plurality of sensors with which the exercise machine 1 is equipped to detect and provide the data processing unit 3 with information for managing and controlling the operation of the exercise machine 1 while performing a physical exercise by a user.
  • the data processing unit 3 has a set configuration from a hardware/software point of view adapted to detect information for managing and controlling the operation of the exercise machine 1 while performing a physical exercise by a user.
  • the exercise machine 1 is a treadmill and the physical exercise is a running/walking on the treadmill:
  • the exercise machine 1 is a bike or an exercise bike:
  • exercise machine 1 is a rowing machine
  • the exercise machine 1 is a strength exercise machine (strength machine):
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to acquire the at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise from the sensor unit 5 configured to detect said parameter (e.g., if said parameter is a parameter to be detected while performing the workout).
  • the data processing unit 3 is further configured to determine an indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise based on the acquired at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise.
  • the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1 is configured to directly determine the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise.
  • the "intelligent" part of the processing resides entirely in the exercise machine 1.
  • the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1 is configured to delegate the determination of the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise to a remote electronic processor (e.g., a cloud server, not shown in the figures) operatively connected to the exercise machine 1 through a data communication network (also not shown in the figures).
  • a remote electronic processor e.g., a cloud server, not shown in the figures
  • a data communication network also not shown in the figures.
  • the remote electronic processor is configured to determine and provide the exercise machine 1 with an indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise based on the acquired at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise and provided to the remote electronic processor by the exercise machine 1.
  • the "intelligent" part of the processing resides in the remote electronic processor which, in addition to providing the workout program, can also determine the indication of the breathing to be followed within the workout program.
  • an indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise is provided in the form of instructions comprised in the operating instructions of the workout program algorithm, e.g., instructions stored in the pre-workout step and/or in the cool-down step.
  • such instructions may depend on the type of workout which will be performed or which has been performed (therefore also on the type of exercise machine), the level of intensity of the workout, the duration of the workout and so on.
  • the indications of the breathing are related to the acquired at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise in a manner which depends on the type of physical exercise (thus also on the type of exercise machine).
  • the aforesaid correlation can be represented, for example, in the form of a table or the form of a mathematical function.
  • breathing techniques include pre-workout breathing techniques, breathing techniques for cardiovascular type workouts (running or walking, bike or exercise bike), and breathing techniques for strength workouts.
  • Pre-workout breathing techniques prepare the breathing before starting a physical exercise session, preparing the body for the workout by maintaining a set level of relaxation.
  • An example of a pre-workout breathing technique comprises the following operational phases:
  • examples of breathing techniques for cardiovascular workouts are diaphragmatic breathing and thoracic breathing.
  • Diaphragmatic, or abdominal, breathing allows the maximum amount of oxygen to be introduced into the body.
  • thoracic breathing uses only the upper part of the lungs and the air which is inhaled remains in the lungs for only a short time, preventing the total turnover and reducing oxygen supply.
  • breathing rate Another aspect of breathing for which an indication can be provided while performing a physical exercise during a cardiovascular workout is the breathing rate, as shown below.
  • a correct rate might be 3:3, meaning inhaling every 3 steps, exhaling every 3 steps, and so on.
  • a correct rate might be 2:2, meaning inhaling every 2 steps, exhaling every 2 steps, and so on.
  • a correct rate may be 1:1, meaning 1 inhaling step, 1 exhaling step, and so on.
  • examples of breathing techniques are based on the anatomical principle and the performance principle.
  • the breathing technique follows the natural rate of expansion and closure of the rib cage.
  • the rib cage tends to open in the concentric phase while it tends to close in the eccentric phase.
  • the breathing technique involves breathing in such a manner as to lift the greatest load.
  • the data processing unit 3, if the exercise machine 1 is a treadmill is configured to detect a speed of the treadmill and/or a running/walking cadence of the user on the treadmill and/or an inclination of the running/walking surface of the treadmill.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to determine the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise according to the detected speed of the treadmill and/or the detected running/walking cadence of the user on the treadmill and/or the detected inclination of the running/walking surface of the treadmill.
  • the data processing unit 3, if the exercise machine 1 is a bike or an exercise bike, is configured to detect a resistance in opposition to the pedaling of the user and/or a pedaling frequency of the user.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to determine the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise as a function of the detected resistance in opposition to the pedaling of the user and/or the detected pedaling frequency of the user.
  • the data processing unit 3, if the exercise machine 1 is a rowing machine is configured to detect a resistance in opposition to the rowing of the user and/or a rowing frequency of the user.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to determine the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise as a function of the detected resistance in opposition to the rowing of the user and/or the detected rowing frequency of the user.
  • the data processing unit 3, if the exercise machine 1 is a strength exercise machine, is configured to detect an eccentric phase and/or a concentric phase of a movement of the user and/or the repetition execution cadence of a series within the physical exercise and/or the load of the exercise machine 1 and/or a position along the range of motion during the eccentric phase and/or a position along the range of motion during the concentric phase and/or to determine a percentage of the load relative to the user's maximum (1RM), for a set physical exercise.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to determine the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise as a function of the detected eccentric phase and/or concentric phase of the movement of the user and/or the detected repetition execution cadence of a series within the physical exercise, and/or the detected load of the exercise machine 1.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to acquire a heart rate of the user.
  • the heart rate of the user is detectable through a heart rate monitor, or other equivalent devices, worn by the user and connected to the data processing unit 3 (e.g., through a wireless data connection type) or comprised in the sensor unit 5 of the exercise machine 1 or through a set configuration of the data processing unit 3 which is aware of the heart rate of the user.
  • a heart rate monitor or other equivalent devices, worn by the user and connected to the data processing unit 3 (e.g., through a wireless data connection type) or comprised in the sensor unit 5 of the exercise machine 1 or through a set configuration of the data processing unit 3 which is aware of the heart rate of the user.
  • the detected heart rate represents information to further refine the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user during the physical exercise to be provided to the user.
  • the detected heart rate is comparable to a set value representative of the user's maximum heart rate to determine what percentage of the set value representative of the user's maximum heart rate is being worked by the user to determine the subjective effort the user is under and the respective workout zone (e.g., near the anaerobic threshold).
  • a user who is more fatigued than another may need a modification of the indication of the breathing to be followed, such as a different correlation between physical exercise mode and breathing to be followed.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to provide the user with a modified indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise according to the detected heart rate of the user (e.g., a different correlation between physical exercise mode and the breathing to be followed).
  • the data processing unit 3 is further configured to provide the user with the determined indication of the breathing.
  • the exercise machine 1 comprises an audio speaker 6 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the determined indication of the breathing comprises an audio message (e.g., a voice of a personal trainer) which can be used by the user through the audio speaker 6 of the exercise machine 1.
  • an audio message e.g., a voice of a personal trainer
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to broadcast the determined indication of the breathing in the form of an audio message through the audio speaker 6 of the exercise machine 1.
  • the audio speaker 6 comprises a speaker.
  • the audio speaker 6 is a hardware component configured to be operatively connected, e.g., wirelessly or wired, to a headset with which a user is provided.
  • the exercise machine 1 further comprises a display module 7, e.g., a display, operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • a display module 7 e.g., a display, operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the determined indication of the breathing comprises a graphic representation viewable through the display module 7 of the exercise machine 1.
  • the data processing unit 3 is configured to display the determined indication of the breathing in the form of a graphic representation through the display module 7 of the exercise machine 1.
  • the user interface 2 is distinct from the data processing unit 3, the memory unit 4, the sensor unit 5, the audio speaker 6, and the display module 7 which are therefore external to the user interface 2, e.g., integrated into other parts of the exercise machine 1.
  • the data processing unit 3, the memory unit 4, the sensor unit 5, the audio speaker 6, and the display module 7 are comprised and integrated within the user interface 2.
  • the graphic representation is preferably animated because it shows to the user an indicator I-D ( figures 4a and 4b ) or an indicator E-G ( figures 5a and 5b ), the animation of which helps the user follow the breathing phases more immediately and intuitively.
  • the graphic representation comprises a time pattern S-T (e.g., a sine curve) of the I-S (inhaling) and E-S (exhaling) breathing phases to be followed while performing the physical exercise.
  • S-T e.g., a sine curve
  • the time pattern S-T is a sine curve, the ascending phase of which is an inhaling phase I-S and the descending phase is an exhaling phase E-S.
  • the sine curve S-T comprises a breathing phase (inhaling I-S or exhaling E-S).
  • a correct breathing rate may be 2:2, meaning inhaling every 2 steps, exhaling every 2 steps, and so on.
  • an indicator I-D appears on the time pattern S-T, adapted to move in the direction indicated by the arrows represented within the time pattern S-T, the position of which along the time pattern S-T indicates to the user the breathing phase to be followed, so that the detected cadence while running is correlated to the breathing rate, as in the example just illustrated.
  • the time pattern S-T is again a sine curve, the ascending phase of which is an inhaling phase I-S and the descending phase of which is an exhaling phase E-S.
  • each eccentric movement M-E of the user corresponds to an inhaling phase I-S of the sine curve S-T while each concentric movement M-C of the user corresponds to an exhaling phase E-S.
  • an indicator I-D appears on the S-T time course, the position of which along the time pattern S-T tells the user which breathing phase to be followed.
  • the graphic representation comprises an animated graphic element E-G, the animation of which represents the breathing phases to be followed while performing the physical exercise.
  • the animated graphic element E-G is a geometric shape (such as a circle or sphere), the size of which varies with the breathing phases.
  • the animated graphic element E-G is a circle (or a sphere).
  • the radius of the animated graphic element E-G increases from a first value R1, corresponding to a first circle S-1 (represented with dashed line) to a second value R2, corresponding to a second circle S-2 (represented with solid line).
  • the second value R2 is greater than the first value R1.
  • the radius of the animated graphic element E-G decreases from the second value R2, corresponding to the second circle S-2 (represented with dashed line) to the first value R1, corresponding to the first circle S-1 (represented with solid line).
  • a method 300 for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine hereinafter also control method or simply method is now described.
  • the method 300 comprises a symbolic step of starting ST.
  • the method 300 comprises a step of acquiring 301, by a data processing unit 3 with a user interface 2 of an exercise machine 1, at least one parameter representative of a physical exercise being performed by the user with the exercise machine 1.
  • the exercise machine 1, the user interface 2 and the data processing unit 3 have been described above.
  • the method 300 further comprises a step of determining 302, by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1, an indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise based on the acquired at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise.
  • the step of determining 302 is performed directly by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1.
  • the "intelligent" step of the method 300 resides entirely in the exercise machine 1.
  • the step of determining 302 is delegated, by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1, to a remote electronic processor (e.g., a cloud server, not shown in the figures) operatively connected to the exercise machine 1 through a data communication network (also not shown in the figures) which determines and provides the exercise machine 1 with an indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise based on the acquired at least one parameter representative of the physical exercise and provided to the remote electronic processor by the exercise machine 1.
  • a remote electronic processor e.g., a cloud server, not shown in the figures
  • a data communication network also not shown in the figures
  • the "intelligent" step of the method 300 resides in the remote electronic processor which, in addition to providing the workout program, can also determine and provide the indication of the breathing to be followed within the workout program.
  • the method 300 further comprises a step of providing 303 the user, by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1, with the determined indication of the breathing.
  • the method 300 comprises a symbolic step of ending ED.
  • the determined indication of the breathing comprises an audio message (e.g., a voice of a personal trainer) usable by the user through an audio speaker 6 of the exercise machine 1 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • an audio message e.g., a voice of a personal trainer
  • the step of providing 303 comprises a step of broadcasting 304, by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1, the determined indication of the breathing in the form of an audio message through the audio speaker 6 of the exercise machine 1 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the determined indication of the breathing comprises a graphic representation usable by the user through a display module 7 of the exercise machine 1 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the step of providing 303 comprises a step of displaying 305, by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1, the determined indication of the breathing in the form of a graphic representation by the display module 7 of the exercise machine 1 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3.
  • the graphic representation is preferably animated because it shows to the user an indicator I-D ( figures 4a and 4b ) or an indicator E-G ( figures 5a and 5b ), the animation of which helps the user follow the breathing phases more immediately and intuitively.
  • the step of acquiring 301 is performed directly by the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1.
  • the step of acquiring 301 comprises a step of detecting 306, by a sensor unit 5 operatively connected to the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1, the at least one parameter representative of a physical exercise being performed by the user with the exercise machine 1.
  • the step of acquiring 301, if the exercise machine 1 is a treadmill comprises a step of detecting 307, by the data processing unit 3, a speed of the treadmill and/or a running/walking cadence of the user on the treadmill and/or an inclination of the running/walking surface of the treadmill.
  • the step of determining 302 comprises a step of determining 307', by the data processing unit 3, the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise as a function of the detected speed of the treadmill and/or the detected running/walking cadence of the user on the treadmill and/or the detected inclination of the running/walking surface of the treadmill.
  • the step of acquiring 301 comprises a step of detecting 308, by the data processing unit 3, a resistance of the bike or the exercise bike in opposition to the pedaling of the user and/or a pedaling frequency of the user.
  • the step of determining 302 comprises a step of determining 308', by the data processing unit 3, the breathing indication to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise as a function of the detected resistance of the bike or the exercise bike in opposition to the pedaling of the user and/or the detected pedaling frequency of the user.
  • the step of acquiring 301 comprises a step of detecting 309, by the data processing unit 3, a resistance of the rowing machine in opposition to the rowing of the user and/or a rowing frequency of the user.
  • the step of determining 302 comprises a step of determining 309', by the data processing unit 3, the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise as a function of the detected resistance of the rowing machine in opposition to the rowing of the user and/or the detected rowing frequency of the user.
  • the step of acquiring 301 comprises a step of detecting 310, by the data processing unit 3, an eccentric phase and/or a concentric phase of a movement of the user and/or a load of the strength exercise machine.
  • the step of determining 302 comprises a step of determining 310', by the data processing unit 3, the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise according to the detected eccentric phase and/or concentric phase of the movement of the user and/or the detected load of the strength exercise machine.
  • the method 300 further comprises a step of acquiring 311, by the data processing unit 3, a heart rate of the user.
  • the method 300 further comprises a step of determining 312, by the data processing unit 3, a modification of the indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise according to the acquired heart rate of the user (e.g., a different correlation between physical exercise mode and the breathing to be followed).
  • the step of providing 303 further comprises a step of providing 313 the user, by the data processing unit 3, with the determined modified indication of the breathing to be followed.
  • a user climbs onto an exercise machine 1, e.g., a treadmill like the one shown in figure 1a , to perform a workout.
  • an exercise machine e.g., a treadmill like the one shown in figure 1a .
  • a data processing unit 3 of a user interface 2 of the exercise machine 1 acquires at least one parameter representative of a physical exercise being performed by the user with the exercise machine 1, e.g. the speed of the treadmill.
  • the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1 determines an indication of the breathing to be followed by the user while performing the physical exercise based on the acquired at least one parameter representative of the acquired physical exercise, i.e. based on the speed of the treadmill.
  • the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1 provides the determined indication of the breathing.
  • the data processing unit 3 of the exercise machine 1 displays the determined indication of the breathing in the form of a graphic representation (e.g., a sine curve representing the breathing phases to be followed while performing the physical exercise) through a display module 7 of the exercise machine 1.
  • a graphic representation e.g., a sine curve representing the breathing phases to be followed while performing the physical exercise
  • the user can promptly and reliably receive an indication of the breathing to be followed while performing a physical exercise with an exercise machine, ensuring as much as possible a correct and optimal performance of the physical exercise with the achievement of the required performance.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
EP22164456.0A 2021-03-25 2022-03-25 Method for controlling a user's breathing during a workout with an exercise machine and exercise machine thereof Pending EP4062983A1 (en)

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IT102021000007334A IT202100007334A1 (it) 2021-03-25 2021-03-25 Metodo di controllo della respirazione di un utente durante un allenamento con una macchina ginnica e relativa macchina ginnica

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070219059A1 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 Schwartz Mark H Method and system for continuous monitoring and training of exercise
KR20130007812A (ko) * 2011-07-11 2013-01-21 백효정 운동 자세 및 호흡 교정기능을 가지는 헬스기구
WO2013028581A1 (en) * 2011-08-19 2013-02-28 Pulson Inc. System and method for reliably coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics
US20180296157A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2018-10-18 Pulson, Inc. Systems and methods for coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070219059A1 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 Schwartz Mark H Method and system for continuous monitoring and training of exercise
KR20130007812A (ko) * 2011-07-11 2013-01-21 백효정 운동 자세 및 호흡 교정기능을 가지는 헬스기구
WO2013028581A1 (en) * 2011-08-19 2013-02-28 Pulson Inc. System and method for reliably coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics
US20180296157A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2018-10-18 Pulson, Inc. Systems and methods for coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics

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