Prepare for the ACE Personal Trainer Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes explanations and hints. Get exam-ready now!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What does a posterior tilt of the pelvis during the Thomas Test indicate?

  1. Strong glutes

  2. Weak hip flexors

  3. Potential measurement error

  4. Risk of lumbar injury

The correct answer is: Potential measurement error

A posterior tilt of the pelvis during the Thomas Test typically indicates tightness in the hip flexors, specifically the iliopsoas. This tightness can inhibit normal movement and may affect overall pelvic positioning. Essentially, when the pelvis tilts posteriorly, it suggests that the hip flexors are not maintaining neutral alignment, which is what the test is meant to assess. Understanding this pelvis tilt is crucial as it impacts the interpretation of the test results. If the pelvis is not in the expected neutral position when performing the Thomas Test, it can lead to measurement error in determining flexibility and strength of the hip flexors versus other muscles involved in hip motion. Therefore, recognizing a posterior pelvic tilt helps trainers and practitioners identify potential limitations in hip alignment and function rather than assuming strong muscles or a risk of injury.