STOTT Pilates Exam – Test Questions with Correct
Answers 2026
1. What does isometrically mean?
Lengthening against resistance
Shortening against resistance
Same length against resistance (no change)
2. Describe how the Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise engages the posterior
deltoid during both eccentric and concentric contractions.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise does not involve any muscle
contractions.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise only works the anterior deltoid.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise primarily targets the biceps
without engaging the posterior deltoid.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise engages the posterior deltoid
by requiring it to contract during the pulling motion (concentric)
and to lengthen while controlling the return (eccentric).
3. During a Pilates exercise that involves lifting the legs while lying on the back,
which type of muscle contraction is primarily occurring in the hip flexors?
Static contraction
Isometric contraction
Eccentric contraction
Concentric contraction
,4. Describe the significance of the transverse plane in relation to Pilates
exercises.
The transverse plane is primarily used for flexion and extension
movements.
The transverse plane is irrelevant to Pilates as it focuses on linear
movements.
The transverse plane is important in Pilates as it involves rotational
movements that enhance core stability and balance.
The transverse plane only applies to upper body exercises in Pilates.
5. What does contralateral mean?
That two points are on the same side of the body.
That two points are on opposite sides of the body.
6. Which movements are primarily associated with the sagittal plane?
Abduction and adduction
Rotation and circumduction
Flexion and extension
Elevation and depression
7. When a muscle generates force but shortens while doing so, this is called a
_ ____ contraction.
E. A and C
B. Eccentric
D. Isotonic
C. Isometric
, A. Concentric
8. ______ contraction = Overcome resistance to joint movement - shortens as it
contracts.
eccentric
concentric
9. Where would you find a synarthrosis joint?
Hip
Knee
Elbow
Skull
10. Describe the role of the Transversus Abdominus in core stability during
Pilates exercises.
The Transversus Abdominus primarily flexes the spine and aids in
bending.
The Transversus Abdominus is responsible for extending the spine.
The Transversus Abdominus assists in rotating the torso during
exercises.
The Transversus Abdominus acts as a stabilizer for the pelvis and
spine, providing support during movement.
11. Which of the following is true?
The elbow is a hinge joint and moves in one plane of motion.
The elbow is a hinge joint and moves in two planes of motion.
, The elbow is a hinge joint and moves in three planes of motion.
12. Which principle is considered one of the original principles established by
Joseph Pilates?
Flexibility
Breathing
Scapular Placement
Strength
13. In a Pilates class, if an instructor wants to focus on improving rotational
strength, which type of movement should they emphasize?
Movements in the transverse plane
Movements in the frontal plane
Static stretches
Movements in the sagittal plane
14. The joints of the skull are examples of what kind of joint?
none of these
hinge
fixed
ball and socket
15. Describe the role of the lateral trunk muscles in Pilates exercises.
The lateral trunk muscles help in shoulder elevation.
The lateral trunk muscles primarily support the spine during flexion.
Answers 2026
1. What does isometrically mean?
Lengthening against resistance
Shortening against resistance
Same length against resistance (no change)
2. Describe how the Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise engages the posterior
deltoid during both eccentric and concentric contractions.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise does not involve any muscle
contractions.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise only works the anterior deltoid.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise primarily targets the biceps
without engaging the posterior deltoid.
The Back Rowing prep-Plow exercise engages the posterior deltoid
by requiring it to contract during the pulling motion (concentric)
and to lengthen while controlling the return (eccentric).
3. During a Pilates exercise that involves lifting the legs while lying on the back,
which type of muscle contraction is primarily occurring in the hip flexors?
Static contraction
Isometric contraction
Eccentric contraction
Concentric contraction
,4. Describe the significance of the transverse plane in relation to Pilates
exercises.
The transverse plane is primarily used for flexion and extension
movements.
The transverse plane is irrelevant to Pilates as it focuses on linear
movements.
The transverse plane is important in Pilates as it involves rotational
movements that enhance core stability and balance.
The transverse plane only applies to upper body exercises in Pilates.
5. What does contralateral mean?
That two points are on the same side of the body.
That two points are on opposite sides of the body.
6. Which movements are primarily associated with the sagittal plane?
Abduction and adduction
Rotation and circumduction
Flexion and extension
Elevation and depression
7. When a muscle generates force but shortens while doing so, this is called a
_ ____ contraction.
E. A and C
B. Eccentric
D. Isotonic
C. Isometric
, A. Concentric
8. ______ contraction = Overcome resistance to joint movement - shortens as it
contracts.
eccentric
concentric
9. Where would you find a synarthrosis joint?
Hip
Knee
Elbow
Skull
10. Describe the role of the Transversus Abdominus in core stability during
Pilates exercises.
The Transversus Abdominus primarily flexes the spine and aids in
bending.
The Transversus Abdominus is responsible for extending the spine.
The Transversus Abdominus assists in rotating the torso during
exercises.
The Transversus Abdominus acts as a stabilizer for the pelvis and
spine, providing support during movement.
11. Which of the following is true?
The elbow is a hinge joint and moves in one plane of motion.
The elbow is a hinge joint and moves in two planes of motion.
, The elbow is a hinge joint and moves in three planes of motion.
12. Which principle is considered one of the original principles established by
Joseph Pilates?
Flexibility
Breathing
Scapular Placement
Strength
13. In a Pilates class, if an instructor wants to focus on improving rotational
strength, which type of movement should they emphasize?
Movements in the transverse plane
Movements in the frontal plane
Static stretches
Movements in the sagittal plane
14. The joints of the skull are examples of what kind of joint?
none of these
hinge
fixed
ball and socket
15. Describe the role of the lateral trunk muscles in Pilates exercises.
The lateral trunk muscles help in shoulder elevation.
The lateral trunk muscles primarily support the spine during flexion.
