Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Si-QW5XSMjs 

A physical therapist participates in a community outreach program for women between 50 and 60 years old designed to introduce preventative measures for osteoporosis. Which activity would be MOST consistent with the therapist’s objective?

1. Flexibility exercises
2. Swimming
3. Cycling
4. Balance exercises

Transcript

Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

Ready? Let’s go!

A physical therapist participates in a community outreach program for women between 50 and 60 years old designed to introduce preventative measures for osteoporosis. Which activity would be MOST consistent with the therapist’s objective?

1. Flexibility exercises
2. Swimming
3. Cycling
4. Balance exercises

I think it’s reasonable to assume that Osteoporosis will be a primary diagnosis encountered in the Other Systems category on the NPTE. In my mind, perhaps the second most common diagnosis in this category, after of course the mother of all Other Systems diagnoses - Diabetes!

When the Osteoporosis train rolls into town on exam day, make sure you are in your Sunday best and fully prepared to greet this important pathology!

Let’s quickly review Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a metabolic condition that presents with a decrease in bone mass that subsequently increases the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis primarily affects trabecular and cortical bone where the rate of bone resorption accelerates while the rate of bone formation declines. 

Postmenopausal osteoporosis targets women approximately 50-60 years of age. Primary methods to prevent osteoporosis include eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular weight bearing exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

The question is specifically asking, which activity would be the most appropriate preventative measure for osteoporosis.

Let’s explore each of the options:

Option 1 - Flexibility exercises 
While flexibility exercises alone do not directly build bone density to prevent osteoporosis, they are still considered an important component of an exercise program since they can improve joint mobility, balance, and posture. Primary methods of preventing osteoporosis should ideally include weight bearing and resistance exercises.

Survey Says…..Like it, but perhaps not true love

Option 2 - Swimming
While swimming can offer considerable benefits for overall health and joint health, it’s not considered a primary exercise for preventing osteoporosis because it’s not a weight bearing activity. Swimming can be a component of an exercise program designed to prevent osteoporosis, but the program should also include weight bearing and resistance exercises.

Survey Says…..Like it, but far from perfect 

Option 3 - Cycling
Cycling is not an ideal exercise to prevent osteoporosis because it doesn't place enough stress on the bones to stimulate bone density growth. Cycling can also be a component of an exercise program designed to prevent osteoporosis, but the program would also need to include weight bearing and resistance exercises.

Survey Says…..Like it, but I am not sure I am willing to hitch my wagon up to it

Option 4 - Balance exercises 
Balance exercises are considered a desirable exercise to help prevent osteoporosis since they incorporate weight bearing. Examples of appropriate balance activities may include standing on one leg, walking heel to toe, stepping over obstacles, and performing a lunge. Balance exercises are critical as well for patients with osteoporosis since they improve stability and reduce fall risk.

Survey Says…..I have found my true love! 

The correct answer is Option 4 

Let’s explore the all student data:
11% of students selected Option 1, Flexibility exercises
15% of students selected Option 2, Swimming
18% of students selected Option 3, Cycling
56% of students selected Option 4, Balance exercises – the correct response

System Classification
This question is an Other Systems question which represents approximately 21% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is an Interventions question which represents approximately 29% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 2 question since the question requires students to integrate numerous pieces of information or to apply knowledge in a given clinical scenario. Remediation of Level 2 questions occurs by increasing flexibility with academic content and by carefully analyzing decision making processes when answering applied examination questions.

Academic Focus Area
Looking to review related academic content? Check out pages 533, 632-633 in PTEXAM: The Complete Study Guide.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!