U.S. patent application number 12/355774 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-22 for device for optimized exercise training of a diabetic.
Invention is credited to Matthew Avellino.
Application Number | 20100184565 12/355774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42337418 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100184565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Avellino; Matthew |
July 22, 2010 |
Device for Optimized Exercise Training of a Diabetic
Abstract
A system is disclosed for optimizing exercise training of a
diabetic exerciser. Computer software accepts physical status data
and, in preferred embodiments, information regarding available
exercise equipment, and formulates therefrom an optimized diet and
exercise program, which is downloaded to an MP3 player or similar
portable electronic device. The portable device directs the
exerciser during workouts, while communicating with a blood glucose
monitor and preferably with a heart rate monitor so as to monitor
the exerciser's blood glucose level and heart rate during exercise,
and warn the exerciser if the blood glucose level exceeds specified
bounds. The portable device records a log of physiological data,
exercise performed, and food consumed, for later upload to the
computer and possible transmission to a healthcare provider.
Preferred embodiments include only software. Other embodiments
include a portable device, blood glucose monitor, heart rate
monitor, or communications enabler.
Inventors: |
Avellino; Matthew; (Merrick,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Russ Weinzimmer
614 Nashua Street, Suite 53
Milford
NH
03055
US
|
Family ID: |
42337418 |
Appl. No.: |
12/355774 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/02438 20130101;
G16H 40/63 20180101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A61B 5/14532 20130101; A63B 2071/0627 20130101; A63B 2071/0625
20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2230/202 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101; G16H
40/67 20180101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 37/0021 20130101; A63B
2022/067 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/9 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A system for optimizing exercise training of a diabetic
exerciser, the system comprising: media containing computer
software that is able to direct the actions of a computer so as to
cause the computer to accept input data regarding a physical status
of the exerciser and determine therefrom an optimized exercise
program for the exerciser; and media containing portable device
software that is able to direct the actions of a portable
electronic device, the portable electronic device being in
communication with the computer and with a blood glucose monitor,
the portable device software being able to cause the portable
electronic device to obtain the optimized exercise program from the
computer, and direct the exerciser in carrying out the optimized
exercise program while the portable electronic device monitors the
blood glucose level of the exerciser and presents to the exerciser
information pertaining thereto.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is
at least one of: an MP3 player; a personal digital assistant; a
blood glucose monitor; a hand-held computer; and a laptop
computer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is
able to communicate with a heart rate monitor while the exerciser
is exercising, and the portable device software is able to direct
the portable electronic device to monitor the heart rate of the
exerciser while the exerciser is exercising and present to the
exerciser information pertaining thereto.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a
computer; a portable electronic device; a blood glucose monitor; a
heart rate monitor; and a communication enabler that enables
communication between the portable electronic device and at least
one of a blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is
able to present information to the exerciser at least one of
audibly and visually.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the input data regarding the
physical status of the exerciser includes at least one of age,
gender, height, and weight.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer software is able to
direct the computer to accept input data pertaining to exercises
performed by the exerciser, and to determine therefrom a current
fitness level of the exerciser.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein determining the current fitness
level of the exerciser includes using a one-rep-max fitness
calculator.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer software is able to
direct the computer to accept input data specifying exercise
equipment available to the exerciser, and to determine an exercise
program that makes optimal use of the available exercise
equipment.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein during an exercise session the
portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic
device to at least one of: play music to the exerciser; report the
exerciser's heart rate to the exerciser; report the exerciser's
blood glucose level to the exerciser; report to the exerciser blood
glucose parameters; report to the exerciser a total of calories
burned during the exercise session; and report to the exerciser
workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises
performed.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device software is
able to direct the portable electronic device to warn the exerciser
if the exerciser's blood glucose level is not within a specified
range.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device software is
able to direct the portable electronic device to record data
obtained during the exercise session and communicate the data to
the computer.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the data recorded during the
exercise session include at least one of: the exerciser's heart
rate; the exerciser's blood glucose level; a total of calories
burned by the exerciser; and workout information indicating types
and quantities of exercises performed.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software is able
to direct the computer to create and maintain a workout log in
which at least some data recorded during an exercise session are
recorded.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software is able
to direct the computer to: accept nutrition data regarding the
exerciser's intake of nutrients at times associated with an
exercise session; and using the nutrition data and data recorded
during the exercise session, suggest changes to at least one of an
exercise program and a recommended diet for the exerciser.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software is able
to direct the computer to communicate at least some of the data
recorded during the exercise session to a healthcare provider.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer software is able to
direct the computer to communicate with an advising professional
that is at least one of a healthcare provider and a physical
training professional.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the computer software is able
to direct the computer to at least one of: transmit information
regarding the exerciser to the advising professional; transmit
information regarding the optimized exercise program to the
advising professional; transmit data recorded during an exercise
session to the advising professional; receive input from the
advising professional regarding at least one of suggested diet
changes and suggested exercise changes; and modify at least one of
exercise suggestions and dietary suggestions according to input
received from the advising professional.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device
includes the computer.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device
includes the blood glucose monitor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to exercise training, and
more specifically to exercise training of diabetic exercisers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Exercise is generally known to have many benefits for
individuals of all ages. These benefits include improved
cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, prevention of bone
and muscle loss, maintenance of a healthy weight, improved
psychological heath, and many others.
[0003] For exercisers who are diabetic, the benefits are even
greater. Regular exercise can help the body respond to insulin, and
is known to be effective in managing blood glucose, thereby
reducing or even eliminating the need for medication. Exercise can
also improve circulation, especially in the arms and legs where
diabetics often experience circulatory and other difficulties.
[0004] However, vigorous exercise can cause special problems, and
can even be dangerous, for people with diabetes, since exercise can
cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate significantly. So as to avoid
these dangers, diabetics must carefully monitor their blood glucose
level, and they must pay close attention to what they eat, both
before, during, and after an exercise session. These concerns can
cause diabetics to reduce their amount of exercise. Also, by eating
too many snacks, or snacks of the wrong kind, in an effort to
restore blood glucose levels, diabetic exercisers can undo some or
all of the benefit they would otherwise derive from exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A system is claimed for optimizing the exercise training of
a diabetic exerciser, so as to provide maximum exercise benefits
while avoiding the special, exercise-related health risks faced by
diabetic exercisers. The claimed system includes software operable
on a computer and software operable on a portable electronic
device, such as a conventional MP3 player, that is able to
communicate with the computer and with a blood glucose monitor worn
by the exerciser. The computer software is able to accept input
data allowing it to evaluate the fitness level of an exerciser. It
is also able to accept information regarding gym memberships and
other exercise opportunities that are available to an exerciser,
and determine therefrom an optimized diet and exercise program for
the exerciser. The portable electronic device can then obtain the
optimized exercise program from the computer and direct the
exerciser in carrying out the optimized exercise program, while at
the same time monitoring the blood glucose level of the exerciser
during each exercise session and, in preferred embodiments, warning
the exerciser if his or her blood glucose level fluctuates beyond a
specified range.
[0006] In various embodiments, the portable electronic device can
also monitor and report the exerciser's heart rate, and can record
blood glucose levels and heart rates during exercise for later
upload to the computer, where a workout log is maintained. In some
embodiments, the workout log can be printed, emailed, or otherwise
supplied to a health care provider. In other embodiments, the
computer is able to accept input data regarding what food the
exerciser has eaten and when, and to make dietary suggestions that
will enable the exerciser to maintain more stable blood glucose
levels both during and after exercise. In some embodiments, the
software can also enable the computer to obtain additional help and
support for the exerciser by communicating with a health care
provider or fitness expert, either in a real-time format such as a
chat session or by message-response communication such as
email.
[0007] The invention is a system for optimizing exercise training
of a diabetic exerciser. The system includes media containing
computer software that is able to direct the actions of a computer
so as to cause the computer to accept input data regarding a
physical status of the exerciser and determine therefrom an
optimized exercise program for the exerciser. The system also
includes media containing portable device software that is able to
direct the actions of a portable electronic device, the portable
electronic device being in communication with the computer and with
a blood glucose monitor, the portable device software being able to
cause the portable electronic device to obtain the optimized
exercise program from the computer, and direct the exerciser in
carrying out the optimized exercise program while the portable
electronic device monitors the blood glucose level of the exerciser
and presents to the exerciser information pertaining thereto.
[0008] In preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is
an MP3 player, a personal digital assistant, a blood glucose
monitor, a hand-held computer, and/or a laptop computer.
[0009] In certain preferred embodiments, the portable electronic
device is able to communicate with a heart rate monitor while the
exerciser is exercising, and the portable device software is able
to direct the portable electronic device to monitor the heart rate
of the exerciser while the exerciser is exercising and present to
the exerciser information pertaining thereto.
[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the system further includes a
computer, a portable electronic device, a blood glucose monitor, a
heart rate monitor, and/or a communication enabler that enables
communication between the portable electronic device and at least
one of a blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor.
[0011] In various preferred embodiments, the portable electronic
device is able to present information to the exerciser at least one
of audibly and visually. In other preferred embodiments, the input
data regarding the physical status of the exerciser includes at
least one of age, gender, height, and weight.
[0012] In preferred embodiments the computer software is able to
direct the computer to accept input data pertaining to exercises
performed by the exerciser, and to determine therefrom a current
fitness level of the exerciser. In some of these embodiments
determining the current fitness level of the exerciser includes
using a one-rep-max fitness calculator.
[0013] In certain preferred embodiments the computer software is
able to direct the computer to accept input data specifying
exercise equipment available to the exerciser, and to determine an
exercise program that makes optimal use of the available exercise
equipment. In some preferred embodiments, during an exercise
session, the portable device software is able to direct the
portable electronic device to play music to the exerciser, report
the exerciser's heart rate to the exerciser, report the exerciser's
blood glucose level to the exerciser, report to the exerciser blood
glucose parameters, report to the exerciser a total of calories
burned during the exercise session, and/or report to the exerciser
workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises
performed.
[0014] In other preferred embodiments, the portable device software
is able to direct the portable electronic device to warn the
exerciser if the exerciser's blood glucose level is not within a
specified range.
[0015] In preferred embodiments, the portable device software is
able to direct the portable electronic device to record data
obtained during the exercise session and communicate the data to
the computer. In some of these preferred embodiments the data
recorded during the exercise session include the exerciser's heart
rate, the exerciser's blood glucose level, a total of calories
burned, and workout information indicating types and quantities of
exercises performed. In other of these embodiments the computer
software is able to direct the computer to create and maintain a
workout log in which at least some data recorded during an exercise
session are recorded. In still other of these embodiments the
computer software is able to direct the computer to accept
nutrition data regarding the exerciser's intake of nutrients at
times associated with an exercise session and using the nutrition
data and data recorded during the exercise session, suggest changes
to at least one of an exercise program and a recommended diet for
the exerciser. And In various of these preferred embodiments the
computer software is able to direct the computer to communicate at
least some of the data recorded during the exercise session to a
healthcare provider.
[0016] In preferred embodiments the computer software is able to
direct the computer to communicate with an advising professional
that is at least one of a healthcare provider and a physical
training professional. In some of these embodiments the computer
software is able to direct the computer to transmit information
regarding the exerciser to the advising professional, transmit
information regarding the optimized exercise program to the
advising professional, transmit data recorded during an exercise
session to the advising professional, receive input from the
advising professional regarding at least one of suggested diet
changes and suggested exercise changes, and modify at least one of
exercise suggestions and dietary suggestions according to input
received from the advising professional.
[0017] In various preferred embodiments the portable electronic
device includes the computer. And in other preferred embodiments
the portable electronic device includes the blood glucose
monitor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to
the detailed description, in conjunction with the following
figures, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the
portable electronic device is a conventional MP3 player, showing an
exerciser supplying data to a computer controlled by the software
of the present invention, the computer communicating with the MP3
player, and the MP3 player being in communication with a blood
glucose monitor and a pair of headphones;
[0020] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A,
showing the MP3 player obtaining an optimized exercise program from
the computer, the optimized exercise program having been determined
by the software;
[0021] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A,
showing the exerciser engaged in an exercise session with the MP3
player secured to an arm of the exerciser, the blood glucose
monitor being attached to the exerciser and in wired communication
with the MP3 player;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to
FIG. 1A, but also including a heart rate monitor that is attached
to the exerciser and in wireless communication with the MP3
player;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to
FIG. 1A, except that the computer is a portable computer that
serves as both the computer and the portable electronic device;
[0024] FIG. 2C is a close-up view showing the exerciser engaged in
an exercise session with the portable computer sitting nearby and
in wireless communication with a blood glucose monitor attached to
the exerciser;
[0025] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the
portable electronic device includes the functionality of a computer
and of a blood glucose monitor, showing an exerciser supplying data
to the electronic device;
[0026] FIG. 2E is a close-up view showing the exerciser engaged in
an exercise session while wearing the portable computing device of
FIG. 2D in wired communication with a blood glucose sensor attached
to the exerciser;
[0027] FIG. 2F is a close-up view of an MP3 player similar to the
MP3 player of FIG. 2A, showing a blood glucose level and a heart
rate being displayed, and showing an adaptor attached to the
computer interface port so as to enable wired connection of both a
blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor to the computer
interface port;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A,
showing the computer obtaining from the MP3 player heart rates and
blood glucose levels recorded during the exercise session;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3,
showing the recorded heart rates and blood glucose levels being
printed at a doctor's office after having been emailed from the
patient's computer to the doctor's computer; and
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing a computer controlled by the software of the
present invention enabling a diabetic exerciser to communicate with
a physical training professional using a real-time video chat
session.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] With reference to FIG. 1A, the present invention is a system
100 for optimizing fitness training of a diabetic exerciser 102.
The system 100 includes computer software that is able to direct
the actions of a computer 104, and portable device software that is
able to direct the actions of a portable electronic device 106, the
electronic device being in communication with the computer 104 and
with a blood glucose monitor 108. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the
portable electronic device is a conventional MP3 player. In similar
embodiments, the system includes a custom portable electronic
device 106, a custom blood glucose monitor 108, a custom heart rate
monitor (item 202 of FIG. 2A, discussed in more detail below),
and/or an adaptor that enables wired connection of a blood glucose
monitor 108 and/or a heart rate monitor 202 to the computer
interface port 107 of a conventional MP3 player 106. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1A, the blood glucose monitor 108 includes a
cable 109 that allows it to connect to the computer interface port
107 of the MP3 player 106.
[0032] Data 110 characterizing the physical status of the exerciser
102 is supplied to the computer 104, including basic statistics
such as the age, gender, height and weight of the exerciser 102. In
some embodiments, the computer software can direct the exerciser
102 to perform benchmark exercises, such as "one-rep-max"
exercises, and provide the results to the computer 104 so as to
further characterize the fitness level of the exerciser 102. The
input data 110 can further include information regarding gym
memberships and other exercise equipment and exercise opportunities
that are available to the exerciser. The computer software is then
able to determine an optimized exercise program for the exerciser
102.
[0033] In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the portable electronic device
106 is a conventional MP3 player that is able to store music and by
play it to the exerciser 102 through a set of conventional
headphones 112. The MP3 player 106 is also able to communicate with
the exerciser 102 using the headphones 112 and/or by displaying
information on a visual display 114 so as to direct the exerciser
102 in carrying out an exercise program, and so as to warn the
exerciser 102 if the exerciser's blood glucose level exceeds a
specified range.
[0034] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
100 of FIG. 1A, showing an optimized exercise program being
transferred from the computer 104 to the MP3 player 106.
[0035] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the exerciser 102 carrying
out an optimized exercise program on an exercise apparatus 116 that
is available to the exerciser 102 due to membership at a gym. The
MP3 player 106 is secured to an arm 118 of the exerciser 102, and
is in wired communication with the blood glucose monitor 108 worn
by the exerciser 102 near her wrist. During the exercise session,
the MP3 player 106 displays the blood glucose level of the
exerciser 102 on its visual display 114, and transmits an alarm
tone to the exerciser 102 through the headphones 112 if the
exerciser's blood glucose level fluctuates outside of a specified
range. In similar embodiments, the MP3 player reports the
exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser 102, and/or
reports blood glucose parameters such as an average of the blood
glucose level during an exercise session, a block-average of the
blood glucose level, a maximum and/or minimum blood glucose level
recorded during the exercise session, and such like.
[0036] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment 200 similar
to the embodiment 100 of FIG. 1A, except that the MP3 player 106 is
in wireless communication with a heart rate monitor 202, in
addition to being in wired communication with the blood glucose
monitor 108. The MP3 player 106 simultaneously records the blood
glucose level and heart rate of the exerciser 102 during the
exercise session, while also playing music to the exerciser 102
through the headphones 112. The MP3 player 202 also reports a total
of the calories burned during the exercise session. In the
embodiment of FIG. 2A the MP3 player 106 further records workout
information indicating types and quantities of exercises completed,
for later upload to the computer 104.
[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
in which the portable electronic device is a portable computer 204.
In FIG. 2B, the exerciser 102 is entering information into the
portable computer 204 which is then used by the software of the
present invention to determine an optimized exercise program. As is
illustrated in FIG. 2C, the exerciser then brings the portable
computer 204 to an exercise location, where it directs the
exerciser 102 in carrying out the exercise program, while at the
same time communicating wirelessly with a blood glucose monitor 108
so as to display and record the exerciser's blood glucose
level.
[0038] FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
in which the portable electronic device 206 is both a handheld
portable computer and a blood glucose meter in wired communication
with a blood glucose sensor 208. As shown in FIG. 2D, the exerciser
102 enters information into the portable electronic device 206
using a stylus 210. The information is used by the software of the
present invention to determine an optimized exercise program. As is
illustrated in FIG. 2E, the exerciser then brings the portable
electronic device 206 to an exercise location, and wears the device
206 while exercising. During the exercise session, the portable
electronic device 206 directs the exerciser 102 in carrying out the
exercise program, while at the same time monitoring and recording
the exerciser's blood glucose level using the wired remote sensor
208. In similar embodiments, the remote electronic device 206
includes a built-in sensor that makes contact with the exerciser
102 when the remote electronic device 206 is worn by the exerciser
102.
[0039] FIG. 2F is a close-up view of an MP3 player 106 similar to
the MP3 player of FIG. 2A, showing the blood glucose level and
heart rate of the exerciser 210 displayed during the exercise
session on the display 114 of the MP3 player 106. In the embodiment
of FIG. 2B, an adaptor 212 functions as a communications enabler
that is used to enable simultaneous wired attachment of both a
blood glucose monitor 214 and a heart rate monitor 216 to the
computer interface port 107 of the MP3 player 106.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing uploading to the
computer 104 of data recorded by the MP3 player 106 during an
exercise session. In preferred embodiments, the data can include a
log of exercises performed and a recording of the exerciser's blood
glucose level and heart rate during the session. The data can also
include details regarding any snacks or other food eaten before,
during, and/or after the exercise session. The computer software is
then able to suggest changes to the exercise program and/or to the
exerciser's food consumption so as to maintain appropriate blood
glucose levels while optimizing exercise benefits.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment 400 in which a
workout log is emailed by the exerciser to a medical facility,
where it is printed on paper 402 so that it can be reviewed by the
exerciser's doctor. As an alternative, the workout log 402 can be
printed by the exerciser 102 and mailed to the healthcare provider,
or brought by the exerciser 102 to a medical appointment. It can
also be downloaded to a memory stick or to any other medium that
can be readily transferred by the exerciser 102 to the health care
provider, or it can also be transmitted to the health care provider
by email or any other convenient electronic means.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment 500
in which the computer software of the present invention enables a
diabetic exerciser 102 to use the computer 104 to communicate with
an advising professional 502. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the
exerciser 102 is communicating in a real-time video-chat format. In
preferred embodiments, the software is able to transfer data from
the workout log to the advising professional, and is also able to
receive input from the advising professional and to revise its
exercise and dietary suggestions accordingly. The advising
professional 502 can be a physical training professional, a health
care provider, or a fitness expert. The exerciser 102 can
communicate with the advising professional 502 using a real-time
method such as a chat session, or by a message-response
communication method such as email.
[0043] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is
not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the
following claims.
* * * * *