Physical characteristics of highlanders and environmental conditions in Papua Newguinea

概要

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Anthropometric measurements were made both on 18 young male highlanders i Beha village at altitudes between 1, 500 m and 1, 800 m above sea-level in the Easter.Highlands of Papua Newguinea in August 1978 and, on 20 young male Japanese i Nishinomiya in September. Newguineans were significantly shorter and lighter than Japanese. However, the mean values of Rohrer's index and Brugsch's index for Newguineans were significantly greate than those for Japanese. The mean values of ratio of upper limb length, hand length lower limb length and foot length to height for Newguineans were significantly greater than those for Japanese. The mean skinfold thickness for Newguineans was significantly thinner than that for Japanese. Percentage of body fat content for Newguineans was significantly smaller than that for Japanese. Thus, physically Newguineans were more muscular and athletic type when compared with Japanese. Ambient temperatures of Beha village were cool with a 6 A.M. mean from 15-17°C and warm with a 12 A.M. mean from 22-27°C in the shade but hot in the sun in the day time. Physical characteristics of Newguineans might be induced by strenuous hard work in the daily life, smaller caloric intake and the climatic condition of highland in tropical zone.