This thesis aims to examine the methods used in the study of ECG (electrocardiogram) signal and their application in athlete monitoring. During the research, we review the basic principles for proper analysis and interpretation of the ECG signal, with particular focus on the sports medical field through the monitoring of athletes. The first chapter focuses on the analysis of the heart, examining the cardiac action potential and conduction system, thus providing a solid foundation for understanding how the ECG works. The second chapter starts with a brief historical introduction of the ECG, exploring its evolution from paper-based measurement to modern digital technology. Next, fundamental concepts such as vector theory, particularly the H(t) vector, electrodes and leads, the Einthoven triangle, and the five-lead system are reviewed, along with the identification of the electrical axis. It goes on, then, treating one by one the main waves, segments and intervals of the ECG tracing, highlighting their main characteristics and the functions they play in monitoring and assessing cardiac function. In addition, heart rate and related methodologies that the ECG can provide us with will be studied. Finally, the third chapter focuses on the practical application of this knowledge in monitoring athletes, exploring the ways in which the ECG can be used to assess the cardiac status and physiological adaptation of athletes during physical activity. Three case studies, with accompanying evaluations, will also be presented to highlight the practical importance of the theoretical knowledge covered in the previous chapters. These case studies provide concrete examples of how the ECG can be used to effectively monitor the cardiac health of athletes and to distinguish between normal physiological changes and potential signs of disease. Through a critical review of the scientific literature, this thesis aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the study of ECG signal and demonstrate their potential in the context of cardiac health monitoring, particularly of athletes. In addition, it aims to emphasize how important this connection between engineering and medicine is nowadays, as both disciplines contribute to the development and application of new biomedical technologies and methodologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases.
La presente tesi si propone di esaminare i metodi utilizzati nello studio del segnale ECG (elettrocardiogramma) e la loro applicazione nel monitoraggio degli atleti. Nel corso della ricerca, si mettono in rassegna i principi fondamentali per una corretta analisi e interpretazione del segnale ECG, con particolare approfondimento in ambito medico sportivo attraverso il monitoraggio degli atleti. Il primo capitolo si concentra sull'analisi del cuore, esaminando il potenziale d'azione cardiaco e il sistema di conduzione, fornendo così una solida base per comprendere il funzionamento dell'ECG. Il secondo capitolo parte da una breve introduzione storica dell'ECG, esplorando la sua evoluzione dalla misurazione su carta alla moderna tecnologia digitale. Successivamente, vengono analizzati i concetti fondamentali come la teoria dei vettori, in particolare del vettore H(t), gli elettrodi e le derivazioni, il triangolo di Einthoven e il sistema a cinque derivazioni, insieme all’identificazione dell’asse elettrico. Si prosegue, poi, trattando una alla volta le onde, i segmenti e gli intervalli principali del tracciato ECG, evidenziando le loro principali caratteristiche e le funzioni che svolgono nel monitoraggio e nella valutazione della funzionalità cardiaca. Inoltre, verrà studiata la frequenza cardiaca e le relative metodologie che l’ECG può fornirci. Infine, il terzo capitolo si concentra sull'applicazione pratica di tali conoscenze nel monitoraggio degli atleti, esplorando le modalità con cui l'ECG può essere utilizzato per valutare lo stato cardiaco e l'adattamento fisiologico degli atleti durante l'attività fisica. Saranno inoltre presentati tre casi di studio, con relative valutazioni, per evidenziare l'importanza pratica delle conoscenze teoriche trattate nei capitoli precedenti. Questi casi di studio forniscono esempi concreti di come l'ECG possa essere utilizzato per monitorare efficacemente la salute cardiaca degli atleti e per distinguere tra cambiamenti fisiologici normali e potenziali segni di patologie. Attraverso una revisione critica della letteratura scientifica, questa tesi ha lo scopo di fornire un quadro completo per lo studio del segnale ECG e dimostrare il loro potenziale nell'ambito del monitoraggio della salute cardiaca, in particolare degli atleti. Inoltre, vuole sottolineare quanto sia importante questa connessione tra ingegneria e medicina nei giorni nostri, poiché entrambe le discipline contribuiscono allo sviluppo e all'applicazione di nuove tecnologie biomediche e metodologie per migliorare la diagnosi e il trattamento delle patologie cardiache.
Metodi per lo studio del segnale ECG e applicazioni per il monitoraggio degli atleti
DE MESA, MIKE FRANCIS
2023/2024
Abstract
This thesis aims to examine the methods used in the study of ECG (electrocardiogram) signal and their application in athlete monitoring. During the research, we review the basic principles for proper analysis and interpretation of the ECG signal, with particular focus on the sports medical field through the monitoring of athletes. The first chapter focuses on the analysis of the heart, examining the cardiac action potential and conduction system, thus providing a solid foundation for understanding how the ECG works. The second chapter starts with a brief historical introduction of the ECG, exploring its evolution from paper-based measurement to modern digital technology. Next, fundamental concepts such as vector theory, particularly the H(t) vector, electrodes and leads, the Einthoven triangle, and the five-lead system are reviewed, along with the identification of the electrical axis. It goes on, then, treating one by one the main waves, segments and intervals of the ECG tracing, highlighting their main characteristics and the functions they play in monitoring and assessing cardiac function. In addition, heart rate and related methodologies that the ECG can provide us with will be studied. Finally, the third chapter focuses on the practical application of this knowledge in monitoring athletes, exploring the ways in which the ECG can be used to assess the cardiac status and physiological adaptation of athletes during physical activity. Three case studies, with accompanying evaluations, will also be presented to highlight the practical importance of the theoretical knowledge covered in the previous chapters. These case studies provide concrete examples of how the ECG can be used to effectively monitor the cardiac health of athletes and to distinguish between normal physiological changes and potential signs of disease. Through a critical review of the scientific literature, this thesis aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the study of ECG signal and demonstrate their potential in the context of cardiac health monitoring, particularly of athletes. In addition, it aims to emphasize how important this connection between engineering and medicine is nowadays, as both disciplines contribute to the development and application of new biomedical technologies and methodologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/67619