Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination FREE MBLEx Test Physiological Effects of Massage Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

What is the gate control theory's explanation for pain reduction during massage?

Accepted Answer

Pressure signals from massage travel faster than pain signals and block pain transmission at the spinal cord

Answer

Massage destroys pain nerve endings permanently

Answer

Massage increases pain threshold by numbing tissues

Answer

Pressure signals bypass the spinal cord entirely

Question 2

How does massage affect the fascial tissue surrounding muscles?

Accepted Answer

It increases tissue temperature and promotes thixotropic changes, making fascia more pliable

Answer

It permanently stretches fascia beyond its elastic limit

Answer

It causes fascia to calcify and become more rigid

Answer

It has no effect because fascia lacks sensory receptors

Question 3

Which physiological effect does massage have on respiratory function?

Accepted Answer

It relaxes accessory breathing muscles and increases tidal volume

Answer

It constricts bronchioles to reduce airflow

Answer

It increases respiratory rate by stimulating the phrenic nerve

Answer

It decreases oxygen saturation in the blood

Question 4

What is the primary mechanism by which massage reduces edema in a subacute injury?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic drainage techniques move excess interstitial fluid into lymphatic capillaries

Answer

Massage causes local vasoconstriction to prevent fluid leakage

Answer

Massage stimulates the kidneys to increase urine output

Answer

Compression from massage forces fluid into the bone marrow

Question 5

How does petrissage affect local muscle metabolism?

Accepted Answer

It increases oxygen delivery and waste removal by compressing and releasing muscle tissue

Answer

It decreases metabolic rate by cooling the tissue

Answer

It converts aerobic metabolism to anaerobic metabolism

Answer

It stops all metabolic processes temporarily during compression

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter associated with stress is consistently shown to decrease after massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Serotonin