Lung function in highlander Bods of Ladakh.

A cross-sectional sample of 221 male Bods, 11 to 19 years, from Leh, Ladakh, was studied to determine some biological responses to the environment. The higher forced vital capacity and increased association between chest measurements and respiratory function as well as increased chest dimensions of the Bods resemble the findings on highland Peruvians. These differences from lowland Bods and Indians may partially be attributable to low oxygen pressure in higher areas. However, the contributing effect of factors, viz. varying activity levels and genetics, cannot be dismissed.