Comparison Of The Physical Health Levels Of Physical Disabled Between Plateau And Plain Areas

PURPOSE : This study aimed to compare the physical health levels of different altitude physical disabled. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 222 disabled persons in and Haidong City, Qinghai Province (n = 118) were selected as the subjects of the study. The physical disabled fulfilled a sociodemographic form, which also included questions regarding their living conditions in plateau and plain, years of disability, education status, disability level, economic source, chronic illness status, and exercise habits. The physique monitoring equipment certified by the national physique monitoring center is used to test the body shape, physical quality and physical function of the physically disabled. RESULTS: The mean age, gender, education status, years of disability, disability level, economic source and exercise habits of the physical disabled were similar across the groups (P > 0.05). The status of chronic illness was higher in Haidong City, Qinghai Province(P = 0.036, P < 0.05), and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes were the most observed chronic illnesses in physical disabled. The waist circumference(86.32 ± 12.01vs90.04 ± 10.48 cm), quiet pulse(79.73 ± 12.28vs85.92 ± 14.60times), vital capacity (2915.05 ± 1052.79vs2089.74 ± 770.13 ml), 6-minute walk test(456.62 ± 171.28vs373.65 ± 96.76 m), grip strength(34.28 ± 13.47vs30.28 ± 12.07 kg), selective response time(0.563 ± 0.124vs0.710 ± 0.283 s) and chair stand test (18.69 ± 4.98vs16.16 ± 5.83times)were found to be significantly different between the groups(p < 0.05). These values were worse in plateau environment physical disabled. No significant difference was found between in height(163.13 ± 12.01vs161.99 ± 11.64 cm), body weight(63.87 ± 15.31vs63.84 ± 13.28 kg), body mass index(24.08 ± 5.32vs24.26 ± 4.21), eye closed monopod test(11.63 ± 25.83vs14.79 ± 23.95 s) and arm curl test(26.72 ± 9.68vs25.96 ± 11.16times)(p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Cardiopulmonary capacity, strength of upper and lower limbs, aerobic endurance and agility were higher in plain residents as compared to plateau physical disabled. Some physical fitness parameters may vary based on the living environment of physical disabled.