ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What type of movements are primarily associated with the sagittal plane?

1. Abduction/adduction

2. Flexion/extension

3. Rotation

4. Circular movements

The correct answer is: Flexion/extension

The sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves. Movements in this plane primarily involve flexion and extension. Flexion refers to the bending of a joint or decreasing the angle between body parts, while extension involves straightening a joint or increasing that angle. Examples of these movements include bending and straightening the knee or elbow, which always occur in this plane. In contrast, other types of movements such as abduction/adduction primarily occur in the frontal plane, where limbs are moved away from or towards the body's midline. Rotation and circular movements involve motion around an axis, which takes place in the transverse plane, distinct from the sagittal plane’s focus on forward and backward movements. Recognizing the planes of movement is essential for understanding how exercises target specific muscle groups and promote overall muscular fitness.