ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the problem of heart rate regulation during cycle-ergometer exercise using both a non-model-based and a model-based control strategy along with a real-time damped parameter estimation scheme. A recursive damped parameter estimation method is also developed, by incorporation of a weighting upon the one-step parameter variation, which in contrast to the conventional parameter estimation schemes can avoid the occurrence of the so-called blowup phenomena. Delivering a feedback signal when the pedals are not in a suitable position to efficiently exert force may be ineffective and this may, in turn, lead to the cognitive disengagement of the user from the feedback controller. The chapter examines a novel form of control system which is called an 'actuator-based event-driven control system'. The proposed control and estimation scheme were experimentally verified using several healthy male participants and the results demonstrated that the designed scheme is able to regulate the HR of the exercising subjects to a predetermined HR profile.
