NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What response would you expect if a person has a posterior pelvic tilt?

1. Excessive lumbar curvature

2. Increased tension in the hamstrings

3. Flexibility in the hip flexors

4. Increased internal rotation of the hips

The correct answer is: Increased tension in the hamstrings

A posterior pelvic tilt occurs when the pelvis is rotated backward, flattening the lumbar spine and typically leading to a reduction in the natural curve of the lower back. This positioning can lead to increased tension in the hamstrings for several reasons. When the pelvis tilts posteriorly, it effectively shortens the distance between the hips and the knees, which can stretch the hamstrings. The tension arises because the hamstrings are responsible for extending the hip joint, and when the hip is in a flexed position due to the posterior tilt, the hamstrings are in a more lengthened state, creating a sensation of tightness or discomfort. In contrast, excessive lumbar curvature is associated with an anterior pelvic tilt rather than a posterior tilt. Flexibility in the hip flexors is typically reduced when the pelvis adopts a posterior tilt, as the hip flexors are put in a shortened position. Finally, increased internal rotation of the hips is not a direct consequence of posterior pelvic tilt but can be influenced by other factors in overall hip and pelvic alignment. Therefore, the presence of increased tension in the hamstrings is a significant and expected response to a posterior pelvic tilt.