Pilates Anatomy and Biomechanics Flashcards

What does 'neutral spine' mean in Pilates?

Answer: Maintaining the natural curves of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine

Neutral spine preserves the three natural curves of the spine—cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis—which is the optimal alignment for load-bearing.

The multifidus muscles are important in Pilates because they:

Answer: Provide deep segmental stabilization of the vertebrae

The multifidus muscles run along the spine and provide crucial segmental stabilization, protecting individual vertebrae during Pilates exercises.

Which plane of motion does spinal flexion occur in?

Answer: Sagittal plane

Spinal flexion (forward bending) occurs in the sagittal plane, which divides the body into left and right halves.

The diaphragm plays what role in Pilates breathing?

Answer: It is the primary muscle of respiration that descends on inhalation to expand the lungs

The diaphragm is the primary breathing muscle; it contracts and descends on inhalation, creating negative pressure that draws air into the lungs.

Which muscle is primarily responsible for posterior pelvic tilt?

Answer: Gluteus maximus and hamstrings

The gluteus maximus and hamstrings pull the pelvis into a posterior tilt by extending the hip and pulling the back of the pelvis downward.

In Pilates anatomy, the 'girdle of strength' refers to:

Answer: The core muscles encompassing the trunk from ribcage to pelvis

Joseph Pilates described the girdle of strength as the entire circumferential core musculature surrounding the trunk, providing support for all movement.