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POLESTAR PRINCIPLE OF MOVEMENT -
AXIAL ELONGATION AND CORE CONTROL
EXAM 2026/2027 | Questions & Answers
with Rationales | Grade A+
Exam Structure:
Subject: Pilates Movement Principles
Source: Polestar Principle of Movement - Axial Elongation and Core Control Exam
Format: Short Answer and Fill-in-the-Blank
1. What is the thoracolumbar fascia?
Correct Answer: deep membrane connecting posterior ligaments of the
lumbar spine, it allows it to assist in supporting the vertebral column when
it is flexed by developing fascial tension that helps control the abdominal
wall.
Rationale:
1. The thoracolumbar fascia is a complex of connective tissue in the lower
back.
2. It connects the posterior ligaments of the lumbar spine and plays a key
role in stabilizing the vertebral column.
3. When tensioned, it helps control the abdominal wall and transfers
loads between the trunk and limbs.
2. What is the name of the ligaments of the spine?
Correct Answer: Anterior longitudinal ligament, Posterior longitudinal
ligament, ligamentum flavum
Rationale:
1. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral
bodies, limiting extension.
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2. The posterior longitudinal ligament runs inside the spinal canal along
the back of the vertebral bodies, limiting flexion.
3. The ligamentum flavum connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
and is rich in elastic tissue, helping to preserve upright posture.
3. What degenerative disease can be caused due to a weak anterior
longitudinal ligament?
Correct Answer: Spondylosis
Rationale:
1. Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting
the spinal discs and vertebrae.
2. A weak anterior longitudinal ligament can contribute to instability and
degenerative changes in the spine.
3. This ligament normally helps maintain alignment and limit excessive
extension.
4. Name the ligaments of the pelvis?
Correct Answer: Thick ligaments that connect the iliac and sacrum
interosseus sacroiliac ligament, posterior sacroiliac ligaments, Sacro
tuberous ligament
Rationale:
1. The interosseous sacroiliac ligament is the major ligament connecting
the sacrum and ilium, providing significant stability to the SI joint.
2. Posterior sacroiliac ligaments further reinforce the joint posteriorly.
3. The sacrotuberous ligament connects the sacrum to the ischial
tuberosity, resisting nutation (forward tilting) of the sacrum.
5. What are force couples?
Correct Answer: A force-couple relationship is the act of muscles or
muscle groups moving together, in a synergistic manner, to produce
movement around a joint.
Rationale:
1. Force couples involve two or more muscles pulling in different
directions to produce a coordinated movement.
2. They work synergistically to create efficient and stable motion around
a joint.
POLESTAR PRINCIPLE OF MOVEMENT -
AXIAL ELONGATION AND CORE CONTROL
EXAM 2026/2027 | Questions & Answers
with Rationales | Grade A+
Exam Structure:
Subject: Pilates Movement Principles
Source: Polestar Principle of Movement - Axial Elongation and Core Control Exam
Format: Short Answer and Fill-in-the-Blank
1. What is the thoracolumbar fascia?
Correct Answer: deep membrane connecting posterior ligaments of the
lumbar spine, it allows it to assist in supporting the vertebral column when
it is flexed by developing fascial tension that helps control the abdominal
wall.
Rationale:
1. The thoracolumbar fascia is a complex of connective tissue in the lower
back.
2. It connects the posterior ligaments of the lumbar spine and plays a key
role in stabilizing the vertebral column.
3. When tensioned, it helps control the abdominal wall and transfers
loads between the trunk and limbs.
2. What is the name of the ligaments of the spine?
Correct Answer: Anterior longitudinal ligament, Posterior longitudinal
ligament, ligamentum flavum
Rationale:
1. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral
bodies, limiting extension.
, 2|Page
2. The posterior longitudinal ligament runs inside the spinal canal along
the back of the vertebral bodies, limiting flexion.
3. The ligamentum flavum connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
and is rich in elastic tissue, helping to preserve upright posture.
3. What degenerative disease can be caused due to a weak anterior
longitudinal ligament?
Correct Answer: Spondylosis
Rationale:
1. Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting
the spinal discs and vertebrae.
2. A weak anterior longitudinal ligament can contribute to instability and
degenerative changes in the spine.
3. This ligament normally helps maintain alignment and limit excessive
extension.
4. Name the ligaments of the pelvis?
Correct Answer: Thick ligaments that connect the iliac and sacrum
interosseus sacroiliac ligament, posterior sacroiliac ligaments, Sacro
tuberous ligament
Rationale:
1. The interosseous sacroiliac ligament is the major ligament connecting
the sacrum and ilium, providing significant stability to the SI joint.
2. Posterior sacroiliac ligaments further reinforce the joint posteriorly.
3. The sacrotuberous ligament connects the sacrum to the ischial
tuberosity, resisting nutation (forward tilting) of the sacrum.
5. What are force couples?
Correct Answer: A force-couple relationship is the act of muscles or
muscle groups moving together, in a synergistic manner, to produce
movement around a joint.
Rationale:
1. Force couples involve two or more muscles pulling in different
directions to produce a coordinated movement.
2. They work synergistically to create efficient and stable motion around
a joint.
