METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING PHYSIOLOGICAL COHERENCE AND AUTONOMIC BALANCE

摘要

The invention is a method, and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves, low frequency brain waves, based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV), and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomous nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health, and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment, a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV. The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD), and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum. In one embodiment, an apparatus (12) is provided for monitoring the heart beat, and presenting this information via a personal computer (14), handheld device, or other processing means.