Physiological Profile of World-Record-Holder Sherpas

McIntosh, Scott; Testa, Massimo; Walker, James A.; Wing‐Gaia, Stacie L.; McIntosh, Staci N.; Litwin, Sheldon E.; Needham, Carrie; Tabin, Geoffrey

doi:10.1016/j.wem.2010.12.001

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…To understand human diversity, there are several studies on the differences in the anthropological and physiological parameters among different populations (Gilbert‐Kawai et al, 2014; McIntosh et al, 2011; Petousi et al, 2014). These parameters are expected to differ with differences in the physical environment and ancestry.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Signatures of high altitude adaptation in Tibeto‐Burman tribes of the Darjeeling Hill Region

Rai

Tamang

et al. 2023

American J Hum Biol

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Objectives: The long-term isolation, endogamy practices, and environmental adaptations have shaped the enormous human diversity in India. The genetic and morphological variations in mainland Indians are well studied. However, the data on the Indian Himalayan populations are scattered. Thus, the present study attempts to understand variations in the selected parameter among four Tibeto-Burman speaking ethnic tribal populations from the Darjeeling Hill Region (DHR) in the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot region of India.Methods: A total of 178 healthy male individuals (Lepcha 98, Sherpa 31, Bhutia 27, and Tibetans 22) living at an altitudinal range of 1467-2258 m above the sea level were studied for the 10 parameters namely, weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m 2 ) systolic and diastolic pressure (mm of Hg), pulse rate (per minute), saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO 2 ) (%), hemoglobin (g/dl), hematocrit (HCT) (%), and blood glucose (mg/dl). The data was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression methods. Results: Our analysis revealed comparatively lower hemoglobin and HCT levels, and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the Sherpas followed by the Tibetans. This may be reflecting the persistence of high-altitude adaptation signatures even in lowlands. Interestingly, the Tibetans differed significantly from other populations in terms of their higher body weight, height, and BMI. Conclusion: Thus, our study showed the persistence of high altitude signatures in Tibetans and Sherpa inhabited the DHR. Additionally, we also observed significant differences in the anthropometric and physiological parameters among the Tibeto-Burman populations of the DHR.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Signatures of high altitude adaptation in Tibeto‐Burman tribes of the Darjeeling Hill Region

Rai

Tamang

et al. 2023

American J Hum Biol

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“…[1] Sherpas are famed for their exceptional powers of endurance [2][3][4] and kindly temperaments. [5] The term Sherpa has come to refer not only to members of an ethnic group, but also, in a generic sense, to Nepalese mountain guides and porters.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Work-health needs of high-altitude mountain guides (Sherpas) in Nepal – a pilot study

Macdonald

Shrestha

Chhetri

et al. 2015

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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Much of the research in high-altitude medicine has been concerned with non-indigenous travellers; no study has examined the work-related health issues of high altitude mountain guides (Sherpas) in Nepal. This pilot study was performed to investigate the work-related health issues of people working as Sherpas by evaluating their perceptions of their general health and its relation to work. An occupational and general health questionnaire was tailored for the Sherpas following a focus group with five Sherpa workers. 131 Sherpas participated in this study. Respiratory (60%) and musculoskeletal symptoms (55%) were reported significantly more frequently than other health problems (p < .05). 33 Sherpas reported work accident experiences (25%) and 27 (21%) reported eye conditions. This pilot study identified respiratory and musculoskeletal problems as well as accidents as the main work-related health issues of high altitude climbing Sherpas. Another important finding was the high prevalence of reported eye conditions (21%). Better occupational health and safety arrangements including routine recording of accidents or work-related health problems would give better insight into the health needs of Sherpas.

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Physiological Profile of World-Record-Holder Sherpas

Abstract: The 2 world-record Sherpa climbers were within normal ranges for the specific measurements that were tested. They displayed appropriate cardiopulmonary and physiological responses and exercise performance profiles at moderate and high altitude.

Cited by 2 publications

References 30 publications

Signatures of high altitude adaptation in Tibeto‐Burman tribes of the Darjeeling Hill Region

Signatures of high altitude adaptation in Tibeto‐Burman tribes of the Darjeeling Hill Region

Work-health needs of high-altitude mountain guides (Sherpas) in Nepal – a pilot study

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