Regression of Body Density on Skinfold Thicknesses in High Altitude Natives: Decline in the Predictive Efficiency on De-Acclimatisation to Low Altitude

H. Bharadwaj; T. Zachariah; S. Kishnani; S. N. Pramanik; J. Prasad; K. L. Chaudhary; G. P. Dimri; T. L. Rao; W. Selvamurthy

doi:10.14429/dsj.45.4126

H. Bharadwaj Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
T. Zachariah Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
S. Kishnani Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
S. N. Pramanik Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
J. Prasad Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
K. L. Chaudhary Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
G. P. Dimri Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
T. L. Rao Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi
W. Selvamurthy Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.45.4126

Keywords: De acclimatisation, Anthropometric measurements

Abstract

Body density, stature, body weight and skinfold thickness at 11 sites were experimentally measured on two groups of high altitude natives (HAN) of Ladakh. Group 1, consisting of 38 similar volunteers was studied after 4-week stay at an altitude of 3658 m and Group 2, consisting of 38 similar volunteers was studied after 4-week stay at Delhi (altitude, 200m). Although, there was a strong relationship between skinfolds, other anthropometric measurements and body density (R=0.898) at high altitude (HA), this relationship was significantly reduced at Delhi (R=0.642). Appropriate regression equations predicting body density from skinfold thicknesses, stature and body weight are given for HAN at both the locations. It is concluded that hyperhydration of the lean body and the adipose tissue may be responsible for the weakening of the multiple Rs on de-acclimatisation to low altitude.