Physical Characteristics and Maximal Aerobic Power of People Living in Mountain Area Residents of Nepal

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics and maximal aerobic power (MAP) of the mountain villagers living in Tarkeghyang and Sermathang in Nepal. The subjects were 183 males (20-75 years old) and 190 females (20-75 years old). The measurements for physique were carried out on the height , body weight and skinfold thickness ( triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and umbilical). The percent body fat(%Fat) was calculated by the equation of Nagamine using the skinfold thickness, body weight and body surface area. Maximal aerobic power was measured by the Margaria indirect method. No age differences of height and body weight were not found among the age-group in the mountain villagers, but they were greater in the mountain villagers than in the villagers living in the suburban and the hilly district in both sexes. The skinfold thickness at any sites and %Fat in some age-groups for males and in all age-groups for females were significantly greater than those of other Nepalese groups. The appearance rates of obesity were higher in the mountain villagers than in the suburban and rural villagers in all age-groups for both sexes. The weight, skinfold thickness, %Fat and the appearance rate of obesity were greater in the mountain villagers than in other Nepalese groups. The regression equation between MAP(Y) and age(X) was Y=64.4-0.49X for males and Y=46.7-0.27X for female, respectively. MAP of the mountain villagers in all age-groups for both sexes was almost the same level as that of the hilly villagers, but significantly higher than that of the suburban villagers in younger age-groups of both sexes. In general. MAPs of the Nepalese people were significantly greater than those of the Japanese or people living in industrialized countries. In spite of the relatively fatty composition, the higher MAP was observed in the mountain villagers, suggesting that the duration of the physical activity may not be longer than expected, although the MAP was as high as that of the hilly villagers