Which exercise is contraindicated for osteoporosis among the listed Step or Barrel options?

Which exercise is contraindicated for osteoporosis among the listed Step or Barrel options?

• A. Laybacks: Circle
• B. Swan Dive
• C. Side Stretch
• D. Leg Lifts/Grasshopper

Answer: (A)

In osteoporosis, the spine is vulnerable to fracture from movements that load or bend the vertebrae, especially when done with the spine flexed or under axial load on a barrel. Laybacks: Circle places the spine into deep flexion as you roll back and then move the arms in a circular path, creating compressive and shear forces through the vertebrae. That combination heightens fracture risk, so this one is contraindicated. The other options can be performed with careful alignment and control to keep the spine in a safer range: Swan Dive uses controlled extension with lengthened spine; Side Stretch allows a gentle lateral bend with proper stance and rib stabilization; and Leg Lifts/Grasshopper keep the spine stable while moving the legs, minimizing dangerous loading on the vertebrae.

In osteoporosis, the spine is vulnerable to fracture from movements that load or bend the vertebrae, especially when done with the spine flexed or under axial load on a barrel. Laybacks: Circle places the spine into deep flexion as you roll back and then move the arms in a circular path, creating compressive and shear forces through the vertebrae. That combination heightens fracture risk, so this one is contraindicated. The other options can be performed with careful alignment and control to keep the spine in a safer range: Swan Dive uses controlled extension with lengthened spine; Side Stretch allows a gentle lateral bend with proper stance and rib stabilization; and Leg Lifts/Grasshopper keep the spine stable while moving the legs, minimizing dangerous loading on the vertebrae.