Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Physiological Coherence and Autonomic Balance
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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) and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. 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.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1-11. -11. (canceled)
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12. A method comprising:
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sampling a physiological measure of a subject; tracking dynamically, in a time domain, a heart rhythm pattern of the subject using data from said sampling, wherein said heart rhythm pattern has an amplitude and frequency which varies over time; detecting when the heart rhythm pattern exhibits a sine waveform within a frequency range of between 0.03125 Hertz and 0.234 Hertz; and providing an indication that said subject is in a state of physiological coherence when the heart rhythm pattern exhibits said sine waveform within said frequency range. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An apparatus comprising:
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sampling means adapted to sample a physiological measure of a subject; and
,an information output means; a processor coupled to the sampling means and the information output means, said processor configured to, sample a physiological measure of a subject, track dynamically in a time domain a heart rhythm pattern of the subject using data from said sampling, wherein said heart rhythm pattern has an amplitude and frequency which varies over time, detect when the heart rhythm pattern exhibits a sine waveform within a frequency range of between 0.03125 Hertz and 0.234 Hertz, and provide an indication, via the information output means, that said subject is in a state of physiological coherence when the heart rhythm pattern exhibits said sine waveform within said frequency range. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification