Influence of High-Altitude Living on Cardiorespiratory Endurance Among Native Athletes of Ladakh

High altitude environments are characterized by reduced barometric pressure and lower oxygen availability, which impose significant physiological stress on the human body. Over generations, native populations living at high altitudes develop unique structural and functional adaptations that enhance oxygen transport and utilization. The present study investigates the influence of lifelong high altitude living on cardiorespiratory endurance among native athletes of Ladakh, a region located at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level. A comparative cross sectional research design was employed, involving 60 male athletes aged 21–26 years, divided equally into a high-altitude native group (Ladakh) and a low altitude control group. Cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed using VO₂ max, resting heart rate, hemoglobin concentration and lactate threshold parameters. Results demonstrated that athlete’s native to Ladakh exhibited significantly higher VO₂ max values, increased hemoglobin levels, lower resting heart rates and higher lactate thresholds compared to their low-altitude counterparts (p < 0.05). These findings indicate superior cardiorespiratory efficiency and endurance capacity in high-altitude native athletes, attributable to chronic hypoxic exposure and long-term physiological adaptation. The study concludes that high altitude living from birth plays a crucial role in enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance, offering valuable insights for athletic training, talent identification and sports performance optimization.

This study examines the effects of high-altitude living on endurance in Ladakhi athletes.