Research article - (2023)22, 658 - 666
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2023.658
Validation of Polar Grit X Pro for Estimating Energy Expenditure during Military Field Training: A Pilot Study
Emily B. Kloss1,2, Andrea Givens1,2, Laura Palombo1,2, Jake Bernards1,2, Brenda Niederberger1, Daniel W. Bennett1,2, Karen R. Kelly1,
1Applied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
2Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA

Karen R. Kelly
✉ Applied Translational Exercise and Metabolic Physiology Team, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
Email: karen.r.kelly8.civ@health.mil
Received: 21-07-2023 -- Accepted: 27-09-2023
Published (online): 01-12-2023

ABSTRACT

Wearables are lightweight, portable technology devices that are traditionally used to monitor physical activity and workload as well as basic physiological parameters such as heart rate. However recent advances in monitors have enabled better algorithms for estimation of caloric expenditure from heart rate for use in weight loss as well as sport performance. can be used for estimating energy expenditure and nutritional demand. Recently, the military has adopted the use of personal wearables for utilization in field studies for ecological validity of training. With popularity of use, the need for validation of these devices for caloric estimates is needed to assist in work-rest cycles. Thus the purpose of this effort was to evaluate the Polar Grit X for energy expenditure (EE) for use in military training exercises. Polar Grit X Pro watches were worn by active-duty elite male operators (N = 16; age: 31.7 ± 5.0 years, height: 180.1 ± 6.2 cm, weight: 91.7 ± 9.4 kg). Metrics were measured against indirect calorimetry of a metabolic cart and heart rate via a Polar heart rate monitor chest strap while exercising on a treadmill. Participants each performed five 10-minute bouts of running at a self-selected speed and incline to maintain a heart rate within one of five heart rate zones, as ordered and defined by Polar. Polar Grit X Pro watch had a good to excellent interrater reliability to indirect calorimetry at estimating energy expenditure (ICC = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.61-0.89, F (74,17.3) = 11.76, p < 0.0001) and a fair to good interrater reliability in estimating macronutrient partitioning (ICC = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.3-0.65, F (74,74.54) = 2.98, p < 0.0001). There is a strong relationship between energy expenditure as estimated from the Polar Grit X Pro and measured through indirect calorimetry. The Polar Grit X Pro watch is a suitable tool for estimating energy expenditure in free-living participants in a field setting and at a range of exercise intensities.

Key words: Wearable, calories, military, exercise

Key Points
  • Validation of Polar Grit X Pro watch to quantify energy expenditure during field training exercises in military personnel.
  • Strong relationship between energy expenditure in Polar Grit X Pro and indirect calorimetry
  • Moderate correlation between estimated %FAT and %CHO use by the Polar Grit X Pro and substrate utilization data as measured by indirect calorimetry.
  • Aggregation of wearable data allows for patterns and trends to be recognized for development of interventions, performance enhancement tools and risk mitigation strategies.








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