The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in parameters of bone mineral
density in elite track and field athletes and sedentary male controls, respectively non-athletes.
The research included 15 athletes who are members of the national junior track and field team
of Serbia and 15 non-athlete boys, aged 17 to 19 years. Sahara (Hologic, Inc., MA 02154,
USA) clinical sonometer was used for assessing bone density. The parameters of bone
mineral density were measured, Speed of sound (SOS), Broadband ultrasound attenuation
(BUA), Bone mineral density (BMD) and Width of the heel bone, as well. T-test for two
independent groups confirmed that there is statistically significant difference between elite
track and field athletes and non-athletes in all measured parameters (p < 0.05). The results of
this study confirm the significant effects of practicing track and field events on increasing
bone mineral density and preventing osteoporosis.