Patent ID: 7054678

Claim:
A method of determining a capacity index while an individual undergoes an exercise test, said test comprising a plurality of test cycles, wherein said plurality of test cycles comprises a maximum effort cycle during which said individual attempts to exercise up to said individual's maximum physical capability, said method comprising: monitoring a heart rate of said individual during said test; determining a first peak heart rate corresponding to a maximum heart rate monitored during said maximum effort cycle; and assigning to said capacity index a value based on at least said first peak heart rate, wherein each of said plurality of test cycles comprises a stress portion followed by a relaxation portion, said method further comprising: determining a slope selected from a group consisting of (1) an upward slope of said heart rate monitored during a part of said stress portion of at least a first of test cycles and (2) a downward slope of said heart rate monitored during a part of said relaxation portion of said at least a first of test cycles; and assigning to said capacity index a value based on at least one of said peak heart rate, said upward slope, and said downward slope.