Related Experiment Videos
Spirometry values in Himalayan high altitude residents (Sherpas)
Adrian P Havryk1, Mark Gilbert, Keith R Burgess
1Department of Critical Care, Manly Hospital, P.O. Box 465, Manly, NSW 2095, Australia. ahavryk@med.usyd.edu.au
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|August 6, 2002
Summary
Himalayan Sherpas exhibit significantly higher spirometric lung function values (FEV1 and FVC) compared to predicted Caucasian norms. These findings suggest a potential adaptation to high-altitude living and exercise.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Human Adaptation
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- Spirometric values are crucial for assessing lung function.
- Previous studies have established reference values for Caucasian populations, such as those from the European Coal and Steel Community (EC&S).
- The Sherpa population, residing at high altitudes, presents a unique demographic for studying physiological adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the spirometric values of Himalayan Sherpas with established EC&S predicted values.
- To derive new predictive equations for spirometric lung function in the Sherpa population.
- To investigate potential adaptations to chronic hypoxia and exercise in Sherpas.
Main Methods:
- Studied 146 adult Sherpas and 103 Sherpa adolescents (ages 10-18) residing at 3,840m.
- Compared measured spirometric values (FEV1, FVC) against EC&S predicted values for adults and Caucasian values for children.
- Calculated percentage predicted (PP) values with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- Sherpa boys, adult males, and adult females showed significantly higher FEV1 (113%, 110%, 116% PP) and FVC (112%, 113%, 121% PP) than predicted (P < 0.0001 for all).
- Sherpa girls exhibited smaller, though still significant for FVC, differences (FEV1: 104% PP, P<0.1; FVC: 108% PP, P=0.005).
- New predictive equations for Sherpas were derived based on these findings.
Conclusions:
- The Sherpa population demonstrates significantly larger spirometric lung function values compared to Caucasians.
- These enhanced values are hypothesized to be an adaptation to chronic hypoxia and high levels of habitual exercise at high altitudes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms behind these physiological differences.