Feasibility of Heart Rate-Based Total Daily Energy Expenditure Estimation of Pararescuemen in Garrison

Abstract

Hammond, KG, Bair, AC, Strang, AJ, Young, JC, Kruskall, LJ, Dunnick, DD, and Schilling, BK. Feasibility of heart rate-based total daily energy expenditure estimation of pararescuemen in garrison. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Pararescuemen are a group of Air Force Special Operations Forces who engage in vigorous daily training to prepare for deployment operations. This training can elicit high-energy expenditure, yet few studies have measured the energy expenditure of these airmen while at their home station (in garrison). Twelve operational pararescuemen (age: 27 ± 3 years; years of service: 5 ± 3 years) were assessed for resting energy expenditure, heart rate (HR) at rest and during initial exercise, and the HR-oxygen consumption (V̇

₂ ) linear equation. Subjects' HR was recorded over 2 normal training days and used to estimate total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Subjects reported an average 9 ± 2 hours of sleep per night of analysis and had an average basal metabolic rate = 82 ± 4 kcal·h ⁻¹ . Average TDEE was 4,021 ± 890 kcals. Pararescuemen expend high levels of energy during routine training at their home station, similar to those of other elite military groups. Observed and reported high-energy expenditures in pararescuemen suggest further investigation into energy intake in this population to optimize performance.