GB2144040A

GB2144040A - Measuring aerobic capacity

Info

Publication number: GB2144040A
Application number: GB08415151A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Sykes
Original assignee: FITECH Ltd
Current assignee: FITECH Ltd
Priority date: 1984-06-14
Filing date: 1984-06-14
Publication date: 1985-02-27
Also published as: GB8415151D0

Abstract

Means for determining aerobic capacity comprise first means for defining a sub-maximal exertion test, such as instructions (20) for determining the test, e.g. as a step-test, and apparatus (24) for use in carrying out the test; second means for controlling the test which may comprise a timer to indicate times at which to make a pre-determined number of exertions; third means for determining pulse count e.g. timing means (30) set to time a pre-set interval within which to count the pulse; and fourth means related to the test for conversion from a combination of the parameters sex, age and the pulse count to aerobic capacity. Audible timing signals, preferably pre-recorded on a recording medium may be used to indicate various intervals. The correlation (42) of aerobic capacity to the said parameters may be presented in a table or on a circular slide scale. Alternatively, a data processor can be provided with having data input means for the parameters and data output for aerobic capacity, and programmed with a stored set of values of an aerobic capacity corresponding to each combination of sex, age and pulse count. A computer may be programmed to display instructions defining said test, for producing timed signals to indicate when to make exertions of the test, for timing the start and end of the pulse count in a pre-determined relation to the test and to give an aerobic capacity value for a given combination of input sex, age and pulse count data.

Description

SPECIFICATION Aerobic capacity measurement This invention relates to aerobic capacity measurement.

Aerobic capacity is a measure of how hard a person can work, i.e. the maximum rate at which they can exert themselves, and thus is considered to be a measure of their fitness. In scientific terms, it is a cardio-respiratory index representing the rate at which oxygen is taken up (i.e. used by the body) through a person's lungs when they are working maximally, and it is usually given in units of millilitres uptake of oxygen per minute per kilogram of body weight, although it can be denoted in any indexing system not necessarily linearly related to these units. However, straightforward measurement in these terms requires a maximal test, which puts the body under great strain. Statistical experiments by previous authors have shown that a submaximal test can be combined with suitable and complicated theoretical considerations to derive aerobic capacity.

This avoids the need to expose the person to maximal exertion. One of the usual tests is a standardised step-test, i.e. stepping on and off a box or the like at a set rate for a set time.

Other workers have used the pulse count measured at a pre-set time after the sub-maximal test, together with body weight and other parameters, in complicated calculations to derive the aerobic capacity. There is one report of extensive tests that seem to show that aerobic capacity is independent of body weight and can be derived from pulse count on a standard sub-maximal test for each sex. The present inventor has carried out wider ranging extensive tests and shown this aerobic capacity is further dependent on age and has been able to produce conversion data to derive aerobic capacity simply.from data of sex, age and pulse count on a standard test, which he has shown to be consistent, thus simplifying the determination of aerobic capacity.

The invention consists in means for determining aerobic capacity, comprising first means for defining a sub-maximal exertion test, second means for controlling the test, third means for determining a pulse count dependent on the test and fourth means related to the test for conversion from a combination of the parameters sex, age and the pulse count to aerobic capacity.

Having appreciated the parameters necessary to determine aerobic capacity, the present inventor has produced a novel combination of means for carrying out such a determination.

The first means may simply comprise instructions for defining the test, e.g. as a step-test (although a cycle ergometer could be used in an alternative embodiment), and may further comprise apparatus for use in carrying out the test.

Thefsecond means may comprise a timer set to indicate the times at which to make a predetermined number of exertions to constitute the test in accordance with the first means. The timer may comprise means for producing audible timing signals, which may be verbal, and which are preferably pre-recorded on a recording medium.

The third means may comprise timing means set to time a pre-set interval within which to count the pulse in accordance with the first means. These timing means may comprise means for producing audible timing signals, which may be verbal, and which are preferably prerecorded on a recording medium. The third means are preferably related to the second means to indicate uniquely the beginning and end of said pre-set interval in relation to the timing of the test. In a particularly useful embodiment, the second and third means are combined in a single means which provides timing signals for the purposes of the second means and then for the purposes of the third means.

The fourth means may comprise, in relation to the test defined by the first means, a table of aerobic capacities uniquely determined by said parameters. The fourth means may comprise a circular slide scale having two portions for the respective sexes, marked with ages and pulse counts and, for each combination of sex, age and pulse count, a corresponding aerobic capacity.

The pulse counts may be arranged in non-progressive and/or irregular order, e.g. for psychological reasons so that people will not "slightly" mis-read their pulse counts in order to appear in a more preferable category of aerobic capacities. The aerobic capacities are preferably given in digital values, though these may be grouped together into categories, e.g. "below average", "average", "above average" and "excellent", which categories may be sufficient in themselves without subdivision into values within each category. Alternatively, values can be given in analog form, e.g. as positions along a linear scale or on a chart or diagram.The fourth means can be particularly useful in the form of data processing means having data input means for sex age and pulse count and data output means for aerobic capacities, and operatively between these a stored set of values C. an aerobic capacity corresponding to each combination of sex, age and pulse count. The age and pulse count in any of these embodiments, can be approximated to any desired degree, though preferably each possible count of pulse in a 15second interval and ages in 1 O-year steps should be used.

There may be included a pulse sensor for use in automatically determining the pulse count for said fourth means.

The aerobic capacity determining means particularly lends itself to computerization and may comprise computer control means, said first means comprising a first section of the computer control means for causing a computer (e.g. a home computer) to display instructions defining said test, said second means comprising a second section of the computer control means for producing timed signals to indicate when to make exertions of the test, said third means comprising a third section of the computer control means for timing the start and end of the pulse count in predetermined relation to the test, and said fourth means comprising a fourth section of the computer control means to input data to the computer to cause the latter to output an aerobic capacity value for a given combination of input sex, age and pulse count data.

Preferably, said first means should provide different test instructions depending on sex and/or age.

Another aspect of the invention consists in a chip for use in a calculator, computer or other data processing means to enable the same to act as the aforementioned data processing means.

Reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of various embodiments of the invention; figure 2 is a schematic representation of data processing means and/or pulse sensor for use in embodiments of the invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a computerized embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, particularly Fig. 1, means 10 for determining aerobic capacity comprise first means 12 for defining a sub-maximal exertion test, second means 14 for controlling the test, third means 16 for determining a pulse count dependent on the test and fourth means 18 related to the test for conversion from a combination of the parameters sex, age and the pulse count to aerobic capacity. The first means 12 comprise instructions 20 for defining the test as a step-test, explaining the size of step needed, how to prepare oneself for the test and the manner and timing of the test, possibly including different heights 22 for tests on males and on females. Means 12 may optionally further comprise the apparatus 24 for carrying out the test, e.g. one or more boxes or the like.

The second means 14 comprise a timer set to indicate the times at which to make a predetermined number of exertions to constitute the test in accordance with instructions 20 and comprise a tape recorder 26 for producing audible timing signals, which are preferably verbal instructions superimposed on a musical background. These signals are pre-recorded on a recording medium 28.

The third means 16 comprise timing means set to time a preset interval within which to count the pulse in accordance with the instructions 20, the timing means being in the form of a tape recorder 30 for producing audible timing signals which are verbal and are pre-recorded on a recording medium 32. These signals are preferably simple speech, such as "Now find your pulse either on your wrist or by putting your hand over your heart and count the number of beats of your pulse in a 15-second interval starting NOW . . . and finishing NOW." The third means 16 are related to the second means 14 by a link 34 to indicate uniquely the beginning and end of said pre-set interval in relation to the timing of the test.In an alternative embodiment, the means 14 and 16 are combined in a single means 36 which provides timing signals first (38) for the purposes of the second means 14 to time the exertions of the test and then (40) for the purposes of the third means 16 to time the pulse count.

The fourth means 18 comprise in relation to the test defined by the first means 12 a table 42 of aerobic capacities 44 uniquely determined by said parameters of age groups 46 down one side and pulse counts 48 along the top, all for one sex 50, with a similar part of the table on the reverse for the other sex.

The table 42 may be modified into a circular slide 52 having two portions for the respective sexes marked with ages 54 and pulse counts 56 and, for each combination of sex, age and pulse count, a corresponding aerobic capacity 58. The portion for one sex 60 would be a smaller circular slide 62 on one side of the larger body-piece 64, together with the values 56, 58, and the portion for the other sex would be a similar circular slide to 62 on the other side of body-piece 64 with corresponding values to 56, 58. The values 56 are non-progressive and arranged in irregular order for the psychological reasons given above. They are also digital. In addition, the values 58 have coloured backgrounds to indicate the respective categories mentioned above, indicated on a key 66.

The fourth means 18 may alternatively be in the form of data processing means 68 having data input means 70 for sex, 72 for age and 74 for pulse count and data output means 76 for aerobic capacity, and operatively between these a stored set of values of an aerobic capacity corresponding to each combination of sex, age and pulse count. The stored set of values may be contained in a chip 78 for use in these data processing means (or indeed for use in any calculator, computer or other data processing means to enable the same to act as the aforementioned data processing means 68). All this is shown in Fig. 2, together with the optional inclusion of a pulse sensor 80 for use in automatically determining the pulse count for said fourth means 18.The sensor 80 may comprise a microphone or pressure sensor for attachment, e.g. on the wrist or over the heart, together with discrimination circuits to distinguish successive pulses of the body and a counter, and may be operatively connected to means 16, or contain a timing device serving as means 16, to determine the interval within which pulses are to be counted and the count fed to data input 74.In an alternative embodiment, shown in Fig. 3, the aerobic capacity determining means comprises computer control means 82, said first means comprising a first section 84 of the computer control means for causing a computer 85 to display instructions 86 defining said test, said second means comprising a second section 88 for causing the computer 85 to produce time signals 90 to indicate when to make exertions of the test, said third means, comprising a third section 91 of the computer control means 82 for causing the computer 85 to produce signals 92 for timing the start and end of the pulse count in pre-determined relation to the test, and said fourth means comprising a fourth section 94 of the computer control means 82 to input data to the computer 85 to cause the latter to output an aerobic capacity value for a given combination of input sex age and pulse count data 70, 72 and 74, which may be provided by a unit 68 with or without a sensor 80, as before.

As an example, an embodiment of the invention comprises a pre-recorded magnetic tape 39, Fig. 1, and a slide scale 52. The latter may be replaced by a table 42, given in full below. Tape 39 comprises verbal instructions 37 and, as described above, test timing signals 38 (verbal and music) and pulse count signals 40. Instructions 37 are as 20 above but extend into signals 38 when necessary and are extended as instructions for taking the pulse count between signals 38 and signals 40 and are further extended after signals 40 as instructions on how to use conversion means 42 or 52.

Instructions 37 are (abbreviated) as follows: This test is of five minutes' duration, with 22+ steps per minute onto and off a box of height sixteen inches (48 cms.) for men and thirteen inches (33 cms.) for women, followed by a 15-second interval for you to sit down and put your hand on your heart and count your pulse (heartbeats) for a period of 15 seconds which will be timed for you. Each step consists of four beats: first foot onto box, second foot onto box, first foot off box, second foot off box.

The tape 39 may also contain (e.g. on the other side) general information about aerobic fitness testing, test precautions, instructions for aerobic exercises and/or timing signals for aerobic exercises, which latter may be musical and/or verbal, possibily interspersed with instructions.

TABLE 42 - MALES Pulse Aerobic Capacity (expressed in millilitres Count of oxygen per Kilogram body weight, per 15-sec minute) 15-sec minute) Ages::- 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ 20 76 67 61 54 48 21 73 64 5~8 52 47 22 I 70 61 55 50 46 23 Excellent 67 58 52 48 45 24 65 56 50 46 44 25 62 54 // 48 44 42 26 60 / 52 47 43 40 27 58 50 45 41 38 28 56 48 44 40 37 29 II 54 47 42 38 36 30 Good 52 45 40 37 35 31 50 44 39 I 36 33 32 49 43 // 38 35 32 33 37 34 31 34 46 40 36 33 30 35 45 39 35 32 29 36 III 44 38 34 31 28 37 Average 43 37 33 30 28 8 42 36 32 ~ 29 27 39 40 35 31 28 26 40 39 34 / 30 28 25 41 38 33 29 27 24 42 37 32 28 26 24 43 IV 36 31 28 25 23 44 Below Average 35 30 27 24 22 45 34 29 26 23 21 46 33 28 25 22 20 47 32 27 24 21 20 48 31 26 23 20 19 49 30 25 22 19 18 1984 Fitech Limited

TABLE 42 - FEMALES Pulse Aerobic Capacity (expressed in milliltres Count of oxygen per Kilogram body weight, per 15-sec minute) ASes- 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ 20 77 68 61 56 50 21 75 66 59 54 49 22 I 72 63 56 51 49 23 Excellent 68 59 53 48 46 24 65 57 51 46 44 25 62 54 48 44 42 26 59 51 46 42 40 27 56 49 44 /1 40 38 28 54 I 47 42 38 36 29 II 52 45 41 37 35 30 Good 50 44 39 36 34 31 48 42 37 34 33 32 46 40 36 33 32 33 44 38 34 / 31 30 34 43 I 37 33 31 29 35 42 36 32 30 28 36 III 40 35 31 28 27 37 Average 39 34 30 28 26 38 38 33 29 27 26 39 37 32 28 26 25 40 36 31 28 // 25 24 41 35 I 30 27 25 24 42 34 29 26 24 23 43 IV 33 28 26 23 22 44 Below Average 32 28 25 23 22 45 31 27 24 22 21 46 30 ' 26 23 21 20 47 49 26 22 20 19 48 28 25 21 20 19 49 27 24 21 20 19 1984 Fitech Limited

Claims

1. Means for determining aerobic capacity comprising first means for defining a submaximal exertion test, second means for controlling the test, third means for determining a pulse count dependent on the test and fourth means related to the test for conversion from a combination of the parameters sex, age and the pulse count to aerobic capacity.

2. Means as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first means comprise instructions for defining the test.

3. Means as claimed in claim 2, wherein the instructions define the test as a step-test.

4. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said first means comprise apparatus for use in carrying out the test.

5. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second means comprise a timer set to indicate the times at which to make a pre-determined number of exertions to constitute the test in accordance with the said first means.

6. Means as claimed in claim 5, wherein said timer comprises means for producing audible timing signals.

Means as claimed in claim 6, arranged for said signals to be verbal.

8. Means as claimed in claim 6 or 7, in which said signals are pre-recorded on a recording medium.

9. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said third means comprise timing means set to time a pre-set interval within which to count the pulse in accordance with the said first means.

10. Means as claimed in claim 9, in which said timing means comprise means for producing audible timing signals.

11. Means as claimed in claim 10, in which said timing means are arranged for the said signals it produces to be verbal.

12. Means as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in which the signals of said timing means are prerecorded on a recording medium.

13. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said third means are related to said second means to indicate uniquely the beginning and end of said pre-set interval in relation to the timing of the test.

14. Means as claimed in claim 13, in which said first means and said second means are combined in a single means which provides timing signals first for the purposes of the said second means and then for the purposes of the said third means.

15. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the said fourth means comprise in relation to the test defined by the said first means a table of aerobic capacities uniquely determined by said parameters.

16. Means as claimed in claim 15, in which the said fourth means comprise a circular slide scale having two portions for the respective sexes, marked with ages and pulse counts and, for each combination of sex, age and pulse count, a corresponding aerobic capacity.

1 7. Means as claimed in claim 15 or 16, in which pulse counts are arranged in nonprogressive and/or irregular order.

18. Means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the said fourth means comprise data processing means having data input means for sex, age and pulse count and data output means for aerobic capacity, and operatively between these a stored set of values of an aerobic capacity corresponding to each combination of sex, age and pulse count in accordance with the said first means.

19. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a pulse sensor for use in automatically determining the pulse count for said fourth means.

20. Means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, or any one of claims 17 to 19 when not appendant to claim 16, comprising computer control means, said first means comprising a first section of the computer control means for causing a computer to display instructions defining said test, said second means comprising a second section of the computer control means for producing timed signals to indicate when to make exertions of the test, said third means comprising a third section of the computer control means for timing the start and end of the pulse count in a pre-determined relation to the test, and said fourth means comprising a fourth section of the computer control means to input data to the computer to cause the latter to output an aerobic capacity value for a given combination of input sex, age and pulse count data.

21. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said first means provide different test instructions depending on sex and/or age.

22. Means as claimed in claim 1 and substantially according to any embodiment hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

23. Means for determining aerobic capacity and substantially according to any embodiment hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A chip for use in a calculator, computer or other data processing means to enable the same to act as the data processing means defined in claim 18.

25. A pre-recorded medium comprising the first, second and third means of any claim or combination of claims 1 to 22 and adapted to use in conjunction with fourth means of any of these claims or claim 24.

CLAIMS (10 Oct 1984)

15. Means as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the said fourth means comprise in relation to the test defined by the said first means and for the said conversion a table of aerobic capacities uniquely determined by said parameters.

16. Means as claimed in claim 15, in which the said fourth means comprise a circular slide scale provided with said table and having two portions for the respective sexes, marked with ages and pulse counts and, for each combination of sex, age and pulse count, a corresponding aerobic capacity.

26. Means as claimed in claim 18, or any one of claims 19 to 21 when appendant to claim 18, in which the data processing means comprise a chip to provide said stored set of values.

27. Means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 or 24, in which a pre-recorded medium comprises the first, second and third means and is adapted for use in conjunction with the fourth means.

28. Means for determining aerobic capacity in conjunction with first means for defining a sub-maximal exertion test, second means for controlling the test and third means for determining a pulse count dependent on the test, and comprising means related to the test for conversion from a combination of the parameters sex, age and the pulse count to aerobic capacity.