Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing the effect of exercise on an individual by measuring changes in the concentration of a compound in the individual's blood. Specifically, the invention measures changes in the concentration of an anti-inflammatory signal molecule or endogenous morphine. Anti-inflammatory signal molecules include, for example, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, and interleukin-10 (IL-10). A first embodiment of the invention provides a method for assessing the effect of exercise on an individual comprising the steps of measuring a concentration of at least one compound in the individual's blood before exercise, measuring a concentration of the at least one compound in the individual's blood after exercise, and comparing the concentrations of the at least one compound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting ischemic preconditioning in individuals are provided. Ischemic preconditioning is provided by exercise treatments. The exercise treatments consist of breathing exercise regimens with breathing sequences of oxygenating and non-oxygenating phases co-ordinated with stress-relaxation cycles. The breathing sequences are designed to induce periods of ischemia. The individualized exercise treatments can induce optimal number of periods of ischemia separated by suitable intervals to provide effective ischemic preconditioning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing an individual's physiological condition are provided. Cycle and shape parameters are derived from a recorded time trace containing heart rate data collected while an individual performs a cyclic exercise routine. Individually tailored exercise regimens that are based on these parameters are generated and modified as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing an individual's physiological condition are provided. Cycle and shape parameters are derived from a recorded time trace containing heart rate data collected while an individual performs a cyclic exercise routine. Individually tailored exercise regimens that are based on these parameters are generated and modified as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing an individual's physiological condition are provided. Cycle and shape parameters are derived from a recorded time trace containing heart rate data collected while an individual performs a cyclic exercise routine. Individually tailored exercise regimens that are based on these parameters are generated and modified as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing an individual's physiological condition are provided. Cycle and shape parameters are derived from a recorded time trace containing heart rate data collected while an individual performs a cyclic exercise routine. Individually tailored exercise regimens that are based on these parameters are generated and modified as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting ischemic preconditioning in individuals are provided. Ischemic preconditioning is provided by exercise treatments. The exercise treatments consist of breathing exercise regimens with breathing sequences of oxygenating and non-oxygenating phases co-ordinated with stress-relaxation cycles. The breathing sequences are designed to induce periods of ischemia. The individualized exercise treatments can induce optimal number of periods of ischemia separated by suitable intervals to provide effective ischemic preconditioning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting ischemic preconditioning in individuals are provided. Ischemic preconditioning is provided by exercise treatments. The exercise treatments consist of breathing exercise regimens with breathing sequences of oxygenating and non-oxygenating phases co-ordinated with stress-relaxation cycles. The breathing sequences are designed to induce periods of ischemia. The individualized exercise treatments can induce optimal number of periods of ischemia separated by suitable intervals to provide effective ischemic preconditioning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing an individual's physiological condition are provided. Cycle and shape parameters are derived from a recorded time trace containing heart rate data collected while an individual performs a cyclic exercise routine. Individually tailored exercise regimens that are based on these parameters are generated and modified as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing an individual's physiological condition are provided. Cycle and shape parameters are derived from a recorded time trace containing heart rate data collected while an individual performs a cyclic exercise routine. Individually tailored exercise regimens that are based on these parameters are generated and modified as desired.

Abstract: A chronotherapy exercise technique for treating a patient whose abnormal condition, regardless of its nature or origin, is reflected by a heart rate variability (HRV) that is reduced and deviates from an HRV reflecting a normal condition. In this treatment, the patient in an exercise session undergoes a series of exercise-relaxation cycles in which during each cycle the pulse rate of the patient rises and then falls to generate a heart wave. To enhance the efficacy of the treatment, the heart waves generated in the course of an exercise session are synchronized in time with an internal wave produced by a biological clock, this activity functioning to expand the range of the biological wave and inducing the HRV to approach an HRV, which for the patient being treated reflects a normal condition.

Abstract: A therapeutic exercise program for treating a patient whose abnormal condition, regardless of its nature and origin, is indicated by a resting heart pulse rate that deviates from the normal resting rate and a maximum heart pulse rate obtainable by physical exertion that deviates from the normal maximum rate, i.e., compromised range and flexibility. At the outset of the program, the patient is tested to determine his initial heart pulse range extending between his resting and maximum heart pulse rates to provide a base line for the program. In the course of the program, the patient whose heart beat is continuously monitored while exercising, undergoes a series of exercise-relaxation cycles. During each cycle, the exercising patient expends a surge of energy giving rise to a high pulse peak rate, the patient then relaxing to complete the cycle.