Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

Mototaka Nagai

Katsuhiko Maruo

Akiko Ono

Satsuki Saeki

An optimum workload corresponding to a target heart rate of an user is determined by the following method, which is preferably utilized for providing a safe training or an accurate examination of physical strength to the user. After the target heart rate is set, a first steady heart rate of the user is measured during an initial exercise cycle in which a first workload is applied to the user. The first workload is derived in accordance with the target heart rate and a statistically obtained workload versus heart rate correlation corresponding to at least one factor selected from the group consisting of the user's age, gender, body weight, and body height, etc. In addition, a second steady heart rate of the user is measured during at least one subsequent exercise cycle in which a second workload is applied to the user. The second workload is derived by entering as input parameters the applied workload and the measured heart rate at the immediately previous exercise cycle into a multiple variate model equation. Consequently, the optimum workload is determined by entering the applied workload and the measure heart rate at the last exercise cycle into the multiple variate model equation. The model equation is prepared by utilizing a neural network analysis or a multiple variate analysis.

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Osaka, Japan

Mototaka Nagai