Title :
ECG telemetric evaluation in Formula One drivers
Author :
Bedini, R. ; Belardinelli, A. ; Palagi, G. ; Varanini, M. ; Ripoli, A. ; Berti, S. ; Carpeggiani, C. ; Paone, F. ; Ceccarelli, R.
Author_Institution :
Inst. of Clinical Physiol., CNR, Pisa, Italy
Abstract :
Formula I drivers during the race constitute a very particular experimental model because they are submitted to an intense psychophysical activity in conjunction with hard quick latero-lateral and antero-posterior accelerations. The ECG analysis (RR variability, arrhythmias and vagosympathetic system balance), during this particular psychophysical stress, is extremely interesting for characterisation of the sportsmens´ training. An ad hoc ECG amplifier has been developed, capable of acquiring ECG signals in high noise environmental conditions. The analog ECG signal is recorded on the on-board data logger. On line and off line correlations with other environmentally recorded conditions during the race are possible by a modified version of the standard telemetry programme, normally used during the race. In particular, the lateral and longitudinal acceleration together with the car velocity are considered. An accurate analysis of the rhythm and RR variability is then performed off-line. First results suggest an intense psychological stress as the engine starts and a correspondence to the road circuit (heart rate ranging between 110 and 180 bpm in normal or bradicardic subjects). The analysis on more than 6 races on two drivers shows a positive linear correlation between heart rate and car velocity, disregarding the climatic conditions.
Keywords :
biomedical telemetry; electrocardiography; medical signal processing; sport; ECG telemetric evaluation; Formula One drivers; RR variability; analog ECG signal; cardiac rhythm; climatic conditions; environmentally recorded conditions; hard quick accelerations; high noise environmental conditions; intense psychological stress; intense psychophysical activity; lateral acceleration; longitudinal acceleration; motor racing; on-board data logger; training characterisation; Acceleration; Electrocardiography; Engines; Heart rate; Human factors; Performance analysis; Psychology; Rhythm; Telemetry; Working environment noise;
Conference_Titel :
Computers in Cardiology 1995
Conference_Location :
Vienna, Austria
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3053-6
DOI :
10.1109/CIC.1995.482658