NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates an anterior pelvic tilt?

1. Shortened hamstring muscles

2. Shortened iliopsoas and erector spinae

3. Increased thoracic kyphosis

4. Flattened lumbar spine

The correct answer is: Shortened iliopsoas and erector spinae

An anterior pelvic tilt is characterized by a specific alignment and positioning of the pelvis in relation to the spine. This condition occurs when the front of the pelvis tilts forward while the back of the pelvis rises. The key indicators of an anterior pelvic tilt include the shortening of certain muscle groups that control pelvic positioning. The correct choice points to the iliopsoas and erector spinae muscles. When the iliopsoas—hip flexors—are shortened, they exert a pulling force on the pelvis, contributing to the forward tilt. Similarly, the erector spinae, a muscle group that runs along the spine and extends the back, can also be shortened in this condition. This pair of muscle tightness creates a mechanical pull that affects pelvic alignment, leading to an anterior pelvic tilt. In contrast, shortened hamstring muscles would generally contribute to a posterior pelvic tilt, as they pull the pelvis upward at the back. Increased thoracic kyphosis refers to an excessive curvature of the upper spine, which does not directly indicate pelvic tilt; rather, it represents a compensatory pattern that could arise from various postural issues. A flattened lumbar spine often correlates with a posterior pelvic tilt where the natural curvature of the lower back diminishes,