Estimation of Oxygen Consumption for Moderate Exercises by Using a Hammerstein Model

This paper aims to establish block-structured nonlinear model (Hammerstein model) to predict oxygen uptake during moderate treadmill exercises. In order to model the steady state relationship between oxygen uptake (oxygen consumption) and walking speed, six healthy male subjects walked on a motor driven treadmill at six different speed (2,3,4,5,6, and 7 km/h). The averaged oxygen uptake of exercisers at steady state was measured by a mixing chamber based gas analyzer (AEI Moxus Metabolic Cart). Based on these reliable experiment data, a nonlinear static function was obtained by using Support Vector Regression. In order to capture the dynamics of oxygen uptake, a suitable Pseudo Random Binary Signal (PRBS) input was designed and implemented on a computer controlled treadmill. Breath by breath analysis of all exercisers´ dynamic responses (PRBS responses) to treadmill walking was performed. A useful ARX model is identified to justify the measured oxygen uptake dynamics within the aerobic range. Finally, a Hammerstein is achieved, which is useful for the control system design of oxygen uptake regulation during treadmill exercises