Real time remote heart rate & ECG monitoring for the modern sport scientist : a front end design

Abstract

A need exists to optimise the efficiency of the way athletes are trained in the professional sports environment. Since it is a multiple variable problem with constraints, it provokes the need for sophisticated research, control and design. A control and monitoring system will be developed for the scenario where the operating range is between 0 and 50 degrees Celsius, the accuracy of the system is at least within a margin of plus or minus 10% and will be within the financial reach of the average and above average athlete and trainer. The system will be implemented in the sport science department of the North-West University. The system behaviour under working conditions will be investigated on the athletics track indoors and out. A simplified model will then be created in software packages such as Oread and Labview (referencing the technical design). Techniques such as 'Fuzzy Logic ControP and 'Model Predictive ControF will then be implemented in the final version of the control software, especially where it concerns the heart rate and electro-cardio-graph monitoring equipment. A literature study as well as extensive research (based on statistical outcomes) and experimentation should give an indication of the level of sophistication needed for the finalization of the project as well as the feasibility of the outcome. With the newly available heart rate and electro-cardio-graph information in real time at the hands of the athlete trainer, a study will be made of the advantages and possibilities of such a system in the modern athletes training and sporting program.