National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

Trunk rotation exercises primarily take place in which plane of motion?

1. Frontal

2. Transverse

3. Sagittal

4. Vertical

The correct answer is: Transverse

Trunk rotation exercises primarily occur in the transverse plane, which is the horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower halves. Movements in this plane involve rotational motions, making it the most relevant for exercises that require twisting or turning the torso. When performing trunk rotations, whether they are through dynamic movements or static holds, the action primarily emphasizes rotation around a vertical axis. The other planes of motion have different focuses: the frontal plane deals with lateral movements such as side bending and abduction/adduction, while the sagittal plane involves forward and backward movements, such as flexion and extension. The term "vertical" does not specifically refer to a recognized plane of motion in kinesiology; rather, it describes an orientation that could apply to various planes without designating a specific movement type. Understanding the mechanics of each plane helps in designing effective exercises that target specific muscle groups and enhance overall functional fitness.