English

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tibetans are the oldest population living permanently at high altitude (4000m). This ethnic group along with Sherpas may have been living at high altitude for longer than any other population. Previous research has shown Tibetans living at high altitude to have superior pulmonary functions. The size of the lungs relative to the size of the person varies depending on ethnic group and a host of environmental factors. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement is the easiest and cheapest method to evaluate respiratory functions. MVV tests the overall functioning of the respiratory system, the respiratory muscles, airway resistance and compliance of lungs and chest wall. So, the study was carried out to evaluate PEFR and MVV of healthy Tibetans youths born and brought up in India and compare their values with healthy Indian youths, to know whether Tibetans born and brought up in India (sea level) retain better respiratory parameters as their ancestors (born at high altitude). MATERIALS AND METHOD: A comparative study was conducted in which the PEFR and MVV of 50 Tibetan male youths born and brought up in Mundgod, North Karnataka district, Hubli, in the age group of 20-30yrs were compared with 50 Indian male youths matched for age and sex as controls. The PEFR and MVV were measured with spiroanalyser SPL-95. The obtained data was analysed using unpaired student's't' test. RESULTS: The Indian born Tibetan male youths had a PEFR (L/sec) of value 8.18 2.47 where as the corresponding value for Indian male youths was 4.86 1.89. The PEFR was higher in Indian born Tibetan male youths than Indian male youths. This was statistically highly significant at (P<0.001). The Tibetan youths had a MVV (L/min) of value 116.16 25.78 whereas the corresponding value for Indian youths was 101.49 19.21.The MVV was less in Indian youths than Tibetan youths. This was statistically significant at p<0.01. CONCLUSION: Though both Indian born Tibetan male youths and Indian male youths share similar environmental challenges, this difference in PEFR and MVV has shown that Indian born Tibetan male youths have retained better respiratory parameters as their ancestors.