Modelling and regulating of cardio-respiratory response for the enhancement of interval training

BACKGROUND: The interval training method has been a well known exercise protocol which helps strengthen and improve one’s cardiovascular fitness. PURPOSE: To develop an effective training protocol to improve cardiovascular fitness based on modelling and analysis of Heart Rate (HR) and Oxygen Uptake (VO(2)) dynamics. METHODS: In order to model the cardiorespiratory response to the onset and offset exercises, the (K(4)b(2), Cosmed) gas analyzer was used to monitor and record the heart rate and oxygen uptake for ten healthy male subjects. An interval training protocol was developed for young health users and was simulated using a proposed RC switching model which was presented to accommodate the variations of the cardiorespiratory dynamics to running exercises. A hybrid system model was presented to describe the adaptation process and a multi-loop PI control scheme was designed for the tuning of interval training regime. RESULTS: By observing the original data for each subject, we can clearly identify that all subjects have similar HR and VO(2) profiles. The proposed model is capable to simulate the exercise responses during onset and offset exercises; it ensures the continuity of the outputs within the interval training protocol. Under some mild assumptions, a hybrid system model can describe the adaption process and accordingly a multi-loop PI controller can be designed for the tuning of interval training protocol. The self-adaption feature of the proposed controller gives the exerciser the opportunity to reach his desired setpoints after a certain number of training sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The established interval training protocol targets a range of 70-80% of HR(max) which is mainly a training zone for the purpose of cardiovascular system development and improvement. Furthermore, the proposed multi-loop feedback controller has the potential to tune the interval training protocol according to the feedback from an individual exerciser.