Abstract: A method of monitoring a human relaxation level and a user-operated heart rate monitor are provided. The user-operated heart rate monitor comprises a timing instant determining means for determining a plurality of heart beat timing instants from a user's electrocardiogram; a relaxation calculating means for calculating an instantaneous relaxation measure value by using the plurality of heart beat timing instants; a relaxation reference calculating means for generating a relaxation measure reference value by using a plurality of instantaneous relaxation measure values, each calculated over a different observation period; and a displaying means configured to display a reference pointer indicating graphically the relaxation measure reference value and further configured to display a relaxation pointer indicating graphically the instantaneous relaxation measure value relative to the reference pointer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a human relaxation level and a user-operated heart rate monitor are provided. The user-operated heart rate monitor comprises a timing instant determining means for determining a plurality of heart beat timing instants from a user's electrocardiogram; a relaxation calculating means for calculating an instantaneous relaxation measure value by using the plurality of heart beat timing instants; a relaxation reference calculating means for generating a relaxation measure reference value by using a plurality of instantaneous relaxation measure values, each calculated over a different observation period; and a displaying means configured to display a reference pointer indicating graphically the relaxation measure reference value and further configured to display a relaxation pointer indicating graphically the instantaneous relaxation measure value relative to the reference pointer.

Abstract: A heart rate monitor and methods for monitoring a user's heart rate, which enable the monitor to be used under different sets of exercise and physiological parameters or profiles without reprogramming between different profiles. The exercise parameters include an exercise type, a day of the week, a time, a user's name, a level of difficulty, and physiological parameters of the user including height, weight, age, and level of fitness. A sensor detects the user's heartbeat, and an input device enables the user to enter information to be associated with each of a plurality of exercise profiles. A memory device stores the profiles, and an indicating device provides a sensory indication of when the user is outside a target heart rate zone. The profiles may be uploaded from a computer and information obtained during the profiles may be downloaded for additional review, analysis, and processing.