Effect of Prolonged Exposure to High Altitude on Skeletal Muscles of Indian Soldiers

Abstract

Thle effects of 10-month stay at high altitude (HA) on body composition of Indian soldiers of mixed ethnic origins with special reference to body musculature were investigated. Body density was regrl15sed from skinfold thicknesses and girth measurements. Bone mineral was estimated from body width and stature. Muscle X-ray shadow areas at upperarm and forearm and stature were correlated with body massl and a regression equation was constructed. Analysis of data indicated that muscle mass degradqd at HA. In soldiers of group I (height: 4100 m), 1.74 kg muscle mass degraded to generate 1.31 kg water. In Soldiers of group 2 (height: 3750 m), 1.38 kg muscle mass was degraded to generate 1.04 Kg water.