Abstract: | Growth in the thoracic region and its adaptation to higher altitude was investigated in boys between 5 to 18 years of Rajput origin at two altitudes, i. e. Rampur Bushahr (800 m above sea level) and Kinnaur (3,000 m above sea level). Both places are located in Himachal Pradesh. The sample includes 405 individuals From Bushahr and 676 individuals from Kinnaur. The results of this study reveal that as the higher altitudes are attained the vital capacity also increases relatively more, and these differences become more pronounced after adolescence, indicating longer time of apnoea. The population living at higher altitudes is also characterised by a significant greater chest length. |