Method and apparatus for facilitating physiological coherence and autonomic balance
US6358201B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/4035
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves and low frequency brain waves based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV). Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV. The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD) and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum. High EP values occur when this power is concentrated within a relatively narrow range of frequencies, and lower values when the power is distributed over a broader range of frequencies. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for monitoring the heart beat and presenting this information via a personal computer, handheld device, or other processing means.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.