Methods, Devices And A Marker For Physical Condition Testing

A method for determining a recovery state of an individual from an athletic activity, the method including:

• (a) subjecting the individual to a sub-maximal physical activity;
• (b) measuring the heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (c) determining the rate of increase in heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (d) comparing the determined rate of increase in heart rate of the individual with a predetermined reference measurement;
• and
• (e) determining the recovery state of the individual from the athletic activity on the basis of the comparison.

A method for predicting an individual's ability to perform an athletic activity at, above, or below, their optimal capacity, the method including:

• (a) subjecting the individual to a sub-maximal physical activity prior to the athletic activity;
• (b) measuring the heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (c) determining the rate of increase in heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (d) comparing the determined rate of increase in heart rate of the individual with a predetermined reference measurement;
• and
• (e) predicting the individual's ability to perform the athletic activity at, above, or below, their optimal capacity on the basis of the comparison.

A device for determining a recovery state of an individual from an athletic activity, the device including:

• (a) a heart rate measurement unit for measuring the heart rate of the individual during a sub-maximal physical activity;
• (b) a rate of increase in heart rate determination unit for determining the rate of increase in heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (c) a comparison unit for performing a comparison between the determined rate of increase in heart rate of the individual and a predetermined reference measurement;
• and
• (d) a recovery state determination unit for determining the recovery state of the individual from the athletic activity on the basis of the comparison.

A device for predicting an individual's ability to perform an athletic activity at, above, or below, their optimal capacity, the device including:

• (a) a heart rate measurement unit for measuring the heart rate of the individual during a sub-maximal physical activity;
• (b) a rate of increase in heart rate determination unit for determining the rate of increase in heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (c) a comparison unit for performing a comparison between the determined rate of increase in heart rate of the individual and a predetermined reference measurement;
• and
• (d) a prediction determination unit for predicting the individual's ability to perform the athletic activity at, above, or below, their optimal capacity on the basis of the comparison.

A computer software product, including coded instructions for executing a computer process in a digital processor, wherein the computer process determines a recovery state of an individual from an athletic activity, or predicts an individual's ability to perform an athletic activity at, above, or below, their optimal capacity, and wherein the computer process includes:

• (a) inputting a heart rate measurement obtained from the individual during a sub-maximal physical activity conducted prior to the athletic activity;
• (b) determining the rate of increase in heart rate of the individual during the sub-maximal physical activity;
• (c) performing a comparison between the determined rate of increase in heart rate of the individual and a predetermined reference measurement;
• and
• (d) determining the recovery state of the individual on the basis of the comparison, or predicting the individual's ability to perform the athletic activity at, above, or below, their optimal capacity on the basis of the comparison.