Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Physiological Effects of Massage 2

Question 1

Which physiological mechanism best explains why massage reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced lymphatic drainage reducing inflammatory mediators

Answer

Increased lactic acid production

Answer

Decreased mitochondrial activity

Answer

Elevated cortisol secretion

Question 2

What happens to venous blood flow when effleurage strokes are applied toward the heart?

Accepted Answer

It is mechanically assisted, improving return to the heart

Answer

It reverses direction due to valve pressure

Answer

It is unaffected because veins are deep

Answer

It decreases as arterial pressure increases

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the pain-inhibiting effect of massage on the gate control theory of pain?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Substance P

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

What is the primary physiological effect of massage on interstitial fluid?

Accepted Answer

It moves interstitial fluid into lymphatic capillaries, reducing edema

Answer

It converts interstitial fluid to plasma

Answer

It increases interstitial fluid production

Answer

It causes interstitial fluid to re-enter arterial capillaries

Question 5

How does massage affect the parasympathetic nervous system in a client experiencing chronic stress?

Accepted Answer

It activates the parasympathetic branch, promoting rest and recovery

Answer

It suppresses parasympathetic tone to increase alertness

Answer

It has no effect on autonomic balance

Answer

It shifts the client toward sympathetic dominance

Question 6

Which of the following describes the mechanical effect of pétrissage on muscle tissue?

Accepted Answer

It compresses and lifts muscle fibers, breaking adhesions and improving circulation

Answer

It increases calcium ion release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Answer

It triggers motor neuron firing to contract the muscle

Answer

It reduces blood flow by compressing arterioles

Question 7

What is the effect of sustained ischemic compression on a trigger point?

Accepted Answer

It causes reactive hyperemia that flushes the area and releases the contraction knot

Answer

It permanently eliminates the sarcomere

Answer

It increases local hypoxia and worsens the trigger point

Answer

It stimulates Golgi tendon organs to contract the muscle