SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PERSONAL HEALTH INTERVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for determining an individual health intervention strategy. More particularly, this invention relates to a subject-specific health recommendation based on subject subjective and objective data, as well as a subject genetic profile.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

While many industrialised nations enjoy quality health care systems which provide superior health care to individuals, many of these same nations are facing a major health crisis, where life expectancies are rising but health expectancy is decreasing. Particularly distressing is the rise in disability levels, especially severe disability, and the associated costs of dealing with this rise. A major factor contributing to rising disability levels is obesity, which is skyrocketing in most industrialised nations. Closely linked to increased obesity levels are increases in the incidence of cardiac problems and type 2 diabetes.

Both genetic factors and environmental factors play a role in an individual's health status. However, the convergence of these factors can be difficult to appreciate, especially given the current one-dimensional models for improving health and wellness, which generally are reactive and not proactive.

OBEJCT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome and/or alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages of the current one-dimensional models for improving health and wellness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and system for determining an individual health intervention strategy.

In one aspect, although not necessarily the only or the broadest aspect, an embodiment of the present invention resides in a method of determining an individual health intervention strategy, the method including the steps of:

collecting subjective data from a subject;

collecting objective data from the subject;

receiving additional objective data concerning the subject;

determining a genetic profile of the subject;

evaluating the subjective data, the objective data and the genetic profile of the subject; and

determining an individual health recommendation for the subject based on the subjective data, the objective data and the genetic profile of the subject.

Preferably, evaluating the subjective data, the objective data and the genetic profile of the subject, and determining an individual health recommendation for the subject based on that data/profile is implemented by a computer. For example, the evaluation and determination can be assisted by a decision support system implemented by a computer.

According to another aspect, although again not necessarily the broadest aspect, an embodiment of the present invention resides in a system for determining an individual health intervention strategy, the system including:

a memory coupled to a processor, wherein the memory includes computer- readable program code components configured to evaluate subject subjective data, subject objective data and a subject genetic profile, and determine an individual health recommendation for the subject based on the subjective data, objective data and genetic profile of the subject.

According to a further aspect, although again not necessarily the broadest aspect, an embodiment of the present invention resides in a computer-readable medium comprising the aforementioned computer-readable program code components for determining an individual health intervention strategy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method of determining an individual health intervention strategy according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram showing a system for determining an individual health intervention strategy according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, "comprise", "comprises" and

"comprising" are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or group of integers.

Many of the advantages of the invention flow from the seamless integration of several modules designed to achieve a beneficial personal health intervention strategy for a target individual, subject or client (including a perspective client). The modules are populated with a variety of data, including, for example, the results of various surveys or questionnaires completed by an individual, anthropometric (i.e., body) measurements, biometric test results, genetic profile, medical test results, and peer- reviewed scientific research, and provide various scores, results, profiles, and templates as outputs, including personalised health and wellness recommendations for an individual. The outputs can be displayed, for example, in either tabular format or in a graphical format.

The surveys or questionnaires provide a convenient and efficient means whereby subjective data, in the form of responses to a variety of questions, may be collected from the target individual. The questions contained in the surveys or questionnaires may relate to, or be directed to, a variety of topics relevant to providing an individual health intervention strategy, and include, for example, questions concerning attitude, nutrition and diet, lifestyle, exercise, habits, preferences, work, stress, hobbies, personal health, personal/family health history, fitness, and goals.

The questions in the surveys or questionnaires may be presented in a simple yes/no format or using a numerical score that allows a respondee to select between one or more extremes, or any other format familiar to one of skill in the art.

For illustrative purposes only, exemplary surveys/questionnaires include: a lifestyle change readiness survey; a personal fitness plan survey; a current nutrition survey; a current exercise survey; a lifestyle choices survey; a personal health history survey; and a family health history survey.

The anthropometric measurements provide a convenient and efficient means whereby objective data, in the form of results from a variety of body measurements, may be collected from the target individual. Anthropometric measurements or parameters include, but are not limited to, total body weight, height, body mass index

(BMI), percent body fat, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat, percent water, and basal metabolic rate.

Biometric tests include tests designed to quantitate one or more biological parameters, such as, for example, free radical activity and pH levels.

A personal genetic profile of genes that impact fitness, health and wellness, and nutrition can be generated by a DNA testing laboratory using a biological sample from the target individual. The laboratory generates a genetic profile using, for example, one or more of the exemplary genes described herein, taking into account nominated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants based on the results of peer-reviewed scientific research. Preferably, the test results are verified and assessed for quality control by a molecular geneticist.

Medical test results are necessary to ensure that a target individual who is not fit for the intervention does not commence it. The medical test results provide an additional source of obj ective data concerning the target individual, and may take the form of reports from a medical practitioner based on one or more visits with the target individual, as well as laboratory data. As will be understood by one of skill in the art, laboratory data includes the results of one or more standard laboratory medical tests run on one or more subject/client samples {e.g., blood or urine), and includes, but is not limited to, LDL cholesterol levels, HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides levels, c-reactive protein levels, homocysteine levels, and fasting glucose levels.

The various scores, results and profiles generated as a result of the data

(including subjective data, objective data and genetic data) used to populate the several modules described herein are compared to one or more templates in order to determine the appropriate individual health recommendation for the target individual. Such templates include, for example, a template containing scientific identification data associated with the genetic profile of genes that impact fitness, health and wellness, and nutrition. This genetic profile template has been assembled based on peer-reviewed scientific research in the field of human genetics, with genes selected because of the effects they have on the body at the cellular level.

The influence of these genes at the cellular level significantly affects the functioning of the body at the macro level, and an additional exemplary template maps the genetic effects at the micro level to various effects on the whole body, such as, for example, obesity (and the ability to shed fat), blood pressure and heart function. This template associates these macro level effects with a corresponding individual health intervention strategy relating to, for example, weight management, cardiovascular health, women's health, men's health, healthy-ageing, improved health expectancy, improved life expectancy, and maintenance of cognitive function.

Additional templates include nutrition, exercise and lifestyle intervention templates, based on peer-reviewed scientific research in the fields of human physiology and psychology, and take into account the genetic profile templates discussed above.

The various scores, results and profiles generated as a result of the data (including subjective data, objective data and genetic data) used to populate the several modules described herein, along with the one or more templates as described, may be stored in an information storage device that is capable of communication through a computer network (e.g., the internet) with one or more users, such as, for example, the target individual, a scientific advisory team (or team member) or a consultant.

The modules disclosed herein include a Behavioural Change Module, a

Phenotype Analysis Module, a Genotype Analysis Module, a Medical Status Module, a Knowledge Management Module, and a Template Matching Module.

Behavioural Change Module

In order to provide an individual health intervention strategy, it is necessary to determine if the target individual is serious about wanting to make the necessary nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and wellbeing. This exercise can be viewed as a pre-qualifying step for the target individual to establish their: a) readiness to change, b) personal goals, c) level of confidence is achieving their goals, d) fitness history, e) current fitness destination, f) preferred activities and interests, and g) best time slots in a schedule (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly) in which to engage in the individualised health intervention.

This information can be captured using the aforementioned surveys or questionnaires, and can be used to assess the target individual's commitment to making the necessary nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Such an assessment can be carried out, for example, by a health coach, a personal trainer, a consultant, or other qualified individual.

Assuming that a target individual is ready to make the necessary nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and wellbeing, additional data collected in the surveys/questionnaires can be used to establish their personal goals and their level of confidence in achieving those goals. Information gathered for this module will also help to identify the level of support that the target individual will require from their health coach, personal trainer, consultant, or other qualified individual, and if they will need further additional life coaching input.

A final aspect of this module is a determination by the target individual of an area of focus that matches their goals, and can include, for example, weight management, cardiovascular health, women's health, men's health, anti-ageing, improved health expectancy, improved life expectancy, maintenance of cognitive function, and combinations thereof.

Phenotype Analysis Module

The Phenotype Analysis Module focuses on the target individual's current nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices using the aforementioned surveys or questionnaires to collect data regarding the target individual's current health status. These surveys are designed to help identify any potential symptoms that indicate that the target individual's body is out-of-balance with regard to various physiological functions, such as, for example, inflammation at the cellular level, circulation problems and high levels of homocysteine.

Survey results for this module are compared to one or more templates which list the association between the questions in the surveys/questionnaires and various functions. Such functions include, for example, physiological functions at the cellular level, such as, inflammation and free radical activity. This data can be analysed to assess the effects of the target individual's current nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices on physiological functions in the body, such as cellular health. In addition, this analysis can help identify if the target individual is showing any adverse symptoms as a result of these effects at the cellular level. The data collected for this module can be used to establish the target individual's current phenotype.

In addition to the collection of data regarding the target individual's current nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices using various surveys or questionnaires, the collection of objective data from the target individual can be realised via anthropometric measurements and/or the completion of one or more biometric tests, as described herein, to further populate the data in this module.

Genotype Analysis Module

The Genotype Analysis Module is directed toward the determination of the target individual's personal genetic profile from a biological sample, such as, for example, a saliva sample or a mouth swab (for cheek epidermal cells). A genetic test panel consisting of multiple genes which influence fitness, health and wellness, and nutrition outcomes, and therefore have significant influence on a target individual's health and wellbeing, is generated.

Exemplary genes that can be analysed {e.g., for single nucleotide polymorphisms) include, but are not limited to: Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE), Adiponectin (ADIPOQ), Adrenergic Receptor Beta-2 (ΑϋΙ β-2), Adrenergic Receptor Beta-3 (ADRP-3), Angiotensin Gene (AGT), Angiotensin II Receptor, Type 1 (AGTR1), Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1), Catalase (CAT), Cystathionine-β- Synthase (CBS), Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP), Collagen, Type I, Alpha 1 (COL1A1), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1), Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS), Coagulation Factor VII (F7), Fat Mass and Obesity Associated (FTO), Glutamate- Cysteine Ligase Modifier (GCLM), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX 1 ), Glutathione S- Transferase PI (GSTP1), Heme Oxygenase- 1 (HO-1), Interlukin-6 (IL-6), Leptin Receptor (LEPR), Hepatic lipase (LIPC), Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), Methylenetetrahyrofolate Reductase (MTHFR), NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase, Quinone 1 (NQOl), Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor- 1 (PAI-1), Paraoxonase- 1 (PON 1 ), Peroxisome Proliferator- Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR- γ), Selectin (SELE), Taste Receptor, Type 2, Member 38 (TAS2R38) (also known as Phenylthiocarbamide Tasting (PTC) and 6-n-Propylthiouracil Tasting (PROP)), Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFa), Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1), Uncoupling Protein 3 (UCP3), and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR).

As will be understood by one of skill in the art, as additional genes that impact fitness, health and wellness, and nutrition outcomes become available, they can be added to the genetic test panel.

While a number of means of assessing a target individual's genetic profile are available and well known to one of skill in the art, a preferred method includes the following steps: a target individual provides a sample of their saliva using a DNA self collection kit; the DNA sample is sent to a DNA testing laboratory (preferably an accredited laboratory) for analysis; the laboratory generates a genetic profile using one or more of the exemplary genes listed herein, taking into account nominated SNP variants; the test results are verified and assessed for quality control by a molecular geneticist; the verified test results are analysed using one or more templates and presented in a personal genetic profile report.

Medical Status Module

Analysis of the target individual's medical status requires medical test data from the individual. The purpose of this module is to ensure a duty of care. Various bio-markers and possible medical risk factors of the target individual are analysed to determine their risk factor to undertake a personal health intervention, and also numerical values for the bio-markers are generated via one or more templates. This ensures that a target individual who is not fit for the intervention does not commence it.

It will be understood that such medical test data, which includes medical reports from a medical practitioner and/or laboratory data, as described herein, may have been generated by a target individual's visit to a medical practitioner that is unrelated to their decision to pursue an individual health intervention strategy. Alternatively, the medical test data may be the result of a visit to a medical practitioner by a target individual wishing to undertake an individual health intervention strategy.

Knowledge Management Module

The Knowledge Management Module allows one or more scientific advisors to maintain and update the various intervention templates used to analyse the subjective data, objective data and genetic data collected/received concerning the target individual, as well as to determine the appropriate individual health recommendation for the target individual. Maintenance of the various templates can be done at any time, and can also be done jointly or in isolation of each other.

Template Matching Module

The output from all other modules is brought together in the Template Matching Module to perform the analysis necessary to generate an individual health recommendation for the target individual based on the subjective data, objective data and genetic data collected/received concerning the target individual. The gene variations for the target individual are analysed against the genetic templates to determine the intervention(s) they should apply, based on their genetic analysis. Determination of the appropriate intervention(s) is also affected by the target individual ' s subj ective and obj ective data, as interpreted via the appropriate nutrition, exercise and lifestyle templates.

The output of this module is an individual health recommendation for the target individual, including one or more appropriate interventions, along with their individual weightings. The individual health recommendation can take the form of a personalised report, that includes one or more nutrient, exercise and lifestyle interventions for the target individual. It can also include one or more focus areas for the target individual, specifically directing the attention of the target individual to areas of nutrition, exercise and/or lifestyle that are a high priority for addressing.

Overview of Several Embodiments

A method of determining an individual health intervention strategy 100 for a subject according to an aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to the general flow diagram shown in FIG. 1. The method includes at 110 collecting subject subjective data and at 120 collecting subject objective data. At 130, the method includes receiving additional subject objective data. The method of determining an individual health intervention strategy 100 for a subject further includes at 140 determining the subject's genetic profile. At 150, the method includes evaluating the subject subjective data, the subject objective data and the genetic profile of the subject. At 160, the method includes determining an individual health recommendation for the subject based on the subjective data, the objective data and the genetic profile of the subject.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system 200 according to one aspect of the present invention. System 200 includes a computer in the form of a server 210 connected to a computer network 230, to which one or more users (also referred to as target individuals, subjects or clients (including perspective clients)) 220 have access. Users 220 may access the server 210 using a web browser, for example, on a computing device, such as a personal computer, laptop, server, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, and the like, as known by persons skilled in the art. The server 210 comprises computer-readable program code components for determining an individual health intervention strategy in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Alternatively, the computer-readable program code components for determining an individual health intervention strategy in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can be on a user's computing device. Such computer-readable program code components are in the form of software installed on a memory, which comprises a computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, a read only memory (e.g. , programmable read only memory (PROM), or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), a random access memory (RAM) (e.g. , static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), or hybrid memory (e.g., FLASH), or other types of memory as are well known in the art. The computer-readable program code components are then processed by a processor in communication with the memory and are configured to cause execution of a method of the present invention. A database, stored on the server 210, interacts with a website as would be known to a person skilled in the art. The database stores profiles of users 220, as well as subjective data, objective data and genetic profiles of users 220, and one or more templates against which the subjective data, objective data and genetic profiles of users 220 is compared. User profiles include individual-specific details pertaining to a user 220 of the website. A database stored on a user's computing device, which may interact with the server 210 via the computer network 230 and/or the website of the system 200, can also store profiles of one or more users 220, as well as subjective data, objective data and genetic profiles of one or more users 220, and one or more templates against which the subjective data, objective data and genetic profiles of one or more users 220 is compared.

The website of the system 200 allows an individual from the plurality of users 220 to receive an individual health recommendation for the user based on the subjective data, objective data and genetic profiles of the user 220. The recommendation is determined by the system 200 according to the method of the present invention.

It should be appreciated that the website may also provide links to manufacturers one or more products of use to users 220 as they implement a health intervention strategy.

The method and system disclosed above have as an advantage a multidimensional approach to improving health and wellness outcomes in individuals based on individual-specific subjective and objective data, as well as an individual- specific genetic profile.

The above description of embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the art. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. It should be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.