In most cases, for a simple evaluation of the body-state, people measure the pulse rate. However, doctors are aware that the factors determining the pulse rate are not always known. This is why the pulse rate is only a tentative indicator of the state of the heart and the body.

Still, the pulse gives many possibilities for analyzing the body-state. For example, in Oriental medicine doctors determine up to forty pulse characteristics which serve as the basis for a diagnosis.

Not everyone knows that the main information about the body-state is contained not in the heartbeats themselves but in the intervals between them. These intervals contain information on how the body manages cardiac activity.

Normally, the intervals between the heart beats can vary by 5-20%. If the time between the heart beats changes little or, conversely, changes considerably, this indicates dysfunction in the regulation of heartbeats, and in the functioning of the whole body. For example, the less the difference between the intervals between the heartbeats—the greater the probability of infarction. Thus, the character of interval changes between the heartbeats reflects the general state of the body. The analysis of all the intervals between the heartbeats is called rhythmocardiography.

This diagnostic method is among the five main approaches used by heart specialists the world over.

One of the advantages of rhythmocardiography is that it allows to register the changes in the body earlier than most of the other diagnostic methods.

The ORTO Expert system recognizes more than 1000 different body-states. Today this system is the most sophisticated one for the express evaluation of the overall body-state.

The ORTO Expert system distinguishes three main body-states.

1. Satisfactory state

In this state all body systems function optimally. The body has a lot of resources.

2. Body-system strain

In this state the body systems work with strain. The body's reserves are spent inefficiently, more of them are spent than required. It is necessary to take some actions to reduce strain.

3. Unsatisfactory state

In this state the body systems are working with considerable strain. The reserves of the body are reduced. The body is in the state of stress. The cause of this should be eliminated. The causes may be physical and emotional overloads or an unhealthy life-style, among other factors. If a person remains in this condition for too long, it may cause illness. If this state is the result of physical training, it means that the body is paying a high price for the level of exertion. The unsatisfactory state is stress. If this condition endures, it is chronic stress.

In most cases, for athletics it is quite sufficient to determine the above-mentioned body-states. For more precise requirements, it is possible to have a more detailed diagnosis.