Patent ID: 8439844

Claim:
A step rate optimization device for a long distance runner, the device comprising: a timer adapted to measure a predetermined period of time and issue a first signal indicative thereof; a pedometer adapted to measure the number of a user's steps over the predetermined period of time and issue a second signal indicative thereof; an arterial waveform sensor adapted to issue a third signal indicative of the user's arterial pulse waveform over the predetermined period of time; a processor adapted to receive said first, second and third signals and determine and issue a fourth signal indicative of the relationship between the user's dominant stride rate frequency, the user's dominant pulse rate waveform frequency and the interaction of the user's dominant stride rate frequency and the user's dominant pulse rate waveform frequency in the range of approximately 0-8 Hz, wherein the processor is adapted to performs frequency spectrum analysis of the user's arterial pulse waveform and the user's dominant stride rate to identify entrainment status of the user; and an indicator adapted to communicate to the user an indication of an unfavorable entrainment relationship between the user's pulse rate and stride rate when the fourth signal indicates the user's dominant stride rate frequency to be at about 2-3 Hz and having a larger amplitude than the component of the user's dominant pulse waveform frequency at about 4-7 Hz and an indication of a favorable entrainment relationship between the user's pulse rate and stride rate when the fourth signal indicates the user's dominant stride rate frequency component to be at about 4-7 Hz and having a larger amplitude than the component of the user's dominant pulse waveform frequency at about 2-3 Hz; wherein the processor is further adapted to determine whether the amplitude of the user's dominant pulse waveform whilst in the favorable entrainment relationship is less than the amplitude of the user's dominant pulse waveform whilst in the unfavorable entrainment relationship, and to determine that the amplitude of the user's dominant pulse waveform whilst in the favorable entrainment relationship is less than about 33% of the amplitude of the user's dominant pulse waveform whilst in the unfavorable entrainment relationship.