WRITTEN EXAM-PILATES TEST
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
ANSWERS.
Neutral Spine - Answer Neutral spine is the natural alignment of the spine's curves—cervical
(inward), thoracic (outward), and lumbar (inward)—where the spine is in its most
biomechanically efficient position for stability and movement.
Why is maintaining a neutral spine important in Pilates? - Answer It promotes efficient
movement, balanced muscle activation, shock absorption, and safe spinal loading.
In what position is neutral spine typically used in STOTT Pilates? - Answer As the default
starting position for most exercises, unless contraindicated or modified (e.g., due to injury or
postural issue).
What muscle groups help maintain a neutral spine? - Answer Transversus abdominis
Pelvic floor
Multifidus
Erector spinae
Deep neck flexors
What is the difference between neutral and imprinted spine? - Answer Neutral spine:
Natural curves are maintained.
Imprinted spine: Lower back is gently pressed into the mat to reduce lumbar curve, often used
for beginners or core control.
When might a Pilates instructor choose imprinted spine over neutral? - Answer When a
client needs more support or control during abdominal work
In early stages of core strengthening
When maintaining neutral creates lumbar tension or instability
How do you check for neutral spine when lying supine? - Answer There should be a small
natural curve under the lower back (space between lumbar spine and mat), with hips and rib
cage level and aligned.
medial rotation definition - Answer rotation towards the midline of the body
, Lateral - Answer away from the midline
anterior tilt - Answer occurs when the pelvis tilts forward, moving the ASIS anterior to the
pubic symphysis
posterior - Answer toward the back
superior - Answer toward the head
inferior - Answer away from the head
proximal - Answer Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb
to the body trunk
distal - Answer farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to
the body trunk
Superficial (external) - Answer toward the body surface
deep - Answer away from the surface of the body
median/sagittal plane - Answer passes vertically through the midline of the body, dividing it
into left and right halves. (front to back movements)
frontal (coronal) plane - Answer divides body into front and back (side to side movements)
transverse/horizontal plane - Answer runs horizontally from right to left, dividing the body
into superior and inferior parts (rotational movement)
example of sagittal plane movement - Answer flexion and extension (roll over, roll up)
example of frontal plane movement - Answer abduction and adduction (mermaid)
example of transverse plane movement - Answer Spinal rotation to left or right (spine twist)
flexion at the joints - Answer Decreases the angle of a joint (bending)
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
ANSWERS.
Neutral Spine - Answer Neutral spine is the natural alignment of the spine's curves—cervical
(inward), thoracic (outward), and lumbar (inward)—where the spine is in its most
biomechanically efficient position for stability and movement.
Why is maintaining a neutral spine important in Pilates? - Answer It promotes efficient
movement, balanced muscle activation, shock absorption, and safe spinal loading.
In what position is neutral spine typically used in STOTT Pilates? - Answer As the default
starting position for most exercises, unless contraindicated or modified (e.g., due to injury or
postural issue).
What muscle groups help maintain a neutral spine? - Answer Transversus abdominis
Pelvic floor
Multifidus
Erector spinae
Deep neck flexors
What is the difference between neutral and imprinted spine? - Answer Neutral spine:
Natural curves are maintained.
Imprinted spine: Lower back is gently pressed into the mat to reduce lumbar curve, often used
for beginners or core control.
When might a Pilates instructor choose imprinted spine over neutral? - Answer When a
client needs more support or control during abdominal work
In early stages of core strengthening
When maintaining neutral creates lumbar tension or instability
How do you check for neutral spine when lying supine? - Answer There should be a small
natural curve under the lower back (space between lumbar spine and mat), with hips and rib
cage level and aligned.
medial rotation definition - Answer rotation towards the midline of the body
, Lateral - Answer away from the midline
anterior tilt - Answer occurs when the pelvis tilts forward, moving the ASIS anterior to the
pubic symphysis
posterior - Answer toward the back
superior - Answer toward the head
inferior - Answer away from the head
proximal - Answer Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb
to the body trunk
distal - Answer farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to
the body trunk
Superficial (external) - Answer toward the body surface
deep - Answer away from the surface of the body
median/sagittal plane - Answer passes vertically through the midline of the body, dividing it
into left and right halves. (front to back movements)
frontal (coronal) plane - Answer divides body into front and back (side to side movements)
transverse/horizontal plane - Answer runs horizontally from right to left, dividing the body
into superior and inferior parts (rotational movement)
example of sagittal plane movement - Answer flexion and extension (roll over, roll up)
example of frontal plane movement - Answer abduction and adduction (mermaid)
example of transverse plane movement - Answer Spinal rotation to left or right (spine twist)
flexion at the joints - Answer Decreases the angle of a joint (bending)
