Training - Physiological Analysis by Firstbeat - Beyond Heart Rate
Firstbeat have developed revolutionary technology for bio signal analysis that turns raw heart beat measurement data into valuable information for several commercial applications. This analysis software can be widely applied in fitness and sports training, weight management, and stress monitoring. The key innovation is a method that creates a simulated digital model of the body functions based on only heart beat data.
The analysis software simulates the function of the user’s physiology. The developed software engine performs analysis of different indices, traces, and variations that are “sensed” from the heart beat signal. The simulation forms gradually a digital model of the body functions by modelling the human physiology according to physiological laws. For example, respiratory rhythms induce slight changes in cardiac rhythm, which are then detected by the modelling engine and are used to simulate respiration, oxygen consumption, and other parameters. All this is done on the basis of only heart beat measurement. The model has tens of dozens of different physiological parameters and values that form an “image” of the user’s physiology. This innovation is based on in-depth integration of mathematical modelling, algorithm implementations, and empirical research on human physiology.
Within software industry, an analogue may be found from 3D engines used in computer games: Firstbeat has developed an engine for real-time modelling of body functions on the basis of heart beat signal. Accordingly, whereas a 3D engine is based on the simulation of object dynamics according to the principles of Newtonian physics, Firstbeat engine is based on the simulation of body dynamics according to the theoretical and empirical principles of the human physiological system.
Starting point of the analysis: RR-Interval = the time interval between two heartbeats in milliseconds.
Heart beat is influenced by respiratory dynamics, metabolic processes, physical activity, recovery,posture, postural changes, emotional reactions and workload. These effects are mediated through autonomic and central nervous systems. Firstbeat can differentiate and decode these sources from the heart beat data alone.
Results allow accurate calculation of oxygen consumption (VO2), Respiration rate and ventilation, Energy and fat expenditure, Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).
Heart beat based analysis enables field applications where measurements with laboratory equipment cannot be performed. Calculations of body functions have been proven to be very close to laboratory accuracy, thus allowing non-invasive monitoring for example during normal daily life and during different training sessions.
Firstbeat’s Basic Body Functions is a great tool for monitoring physiological parameters:
Athlete’s training is a process of careful optimization of performance. For this purpose, it is very important to have available all the key information of the athlete’s physiological condition. Even though this is recognized by many coaches, minimal information on the physiological functions of the athlete during a regular training session is currently available. Due to this lack of information, decisions on training and coaching are often based on subjective feelings. This is also valid for recovery information.