After being bedridden for months, James found that his muscles had atrophied, which initially ——– his ability to walk or lift heavy objects.

"," lets us know that it is support. After being bedridden, it hindered his ability to walk and left. We have find words that match the requirement.

a. belittled - mock or denigrate, doesn't fit our

b. castigated - reprimand or disapprove, doesn't fit

c. hampered - hinder, fits well

d. bolstered - support, nope

e. curtailed - reduce, cut down - I didn't know the meaning of this words, went ahead with elimination.

f. improved - Nope