Original article

Changes in bone density measured by ultrasound of calcaneus in sedentary workers

---

Abstract

Aim: To determine a degree of change in the bones of workers who spend their full time job in sitting position and to find a correlation between smoking and changes in bone structure.

Methods: Examinees were 213 female workers who worked full time sedentary work in front of computer. Each worker was subjected to physical examination and ultrasonic osteodensitometry of calcaneus.

Results: The average age of patients was 45.4 years. Changes in bone density were found in 110 (51.64%) workers. Correlation between smoker and non-smoker groups was positive, but "r" was higher in smokers than in non-smokers. It is worrying that 10 out of 22 persons in the group up to 30 years of age have osteopenia.

Conclusion: Recommendation for regular annual control of bone density of the working group at risk regardless of age should be followed. Prescribing exercise for the working group at risk should be a significant part of preventive work in clinics of occupational medicine and sports.

Keywords: bone diseases, occupational health, osteopenia

How to Cite:

Bišćević-Tokić, J., Brekalo-Lazarević, S., Tokić, N., Bećirović, S. & Sarajlić Spahić, S., (2019) “Changes in bone density measured by ultrasound of calcaneus in sedentary workers”, Medicinski glasnik 16(2), 323-326. doi: https://doi.org/10.17392/1006-19