Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Physiological Effects of Massage 3

Question 1

Which hormone is most directly decreased by regular massage therapy, contributing to improved immune function?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Aldosterone

Question 2

How does massage affect tissue extensibility in areas with chronic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

It applies mechanical force that can remodel collagen fibers and improve extensibility

Answer

It increases collagen cross-linking, making tissue stiffer

Answer

It dissolves fibrous tissue through enzymatic action

Answer

It has no effect on collagen structure

Question 3

What is the primary physiological reason that massage is contraindicated over acute phlebitis?

Accepted Answer

Massage could dislodge a thrombus and cause an embolism

Answer

Massage would cool the area too rapidly

Answer

Massage increases platelet aggregation in the area

Answer

Massage triggers autoimmune responses in venous walls

Question 4

Which reflex arc is responsible for the reduction in muscle tone observed after slow, sustained massage strokes?

Accepted Answer

The inverse myotatic reflex via Golgi tendon organs

Answer

The stretch reflex via muscle spindles

Answer

The flexor withdrawal reflex

Answer

The crossed extensor reflex

Question 5

What physiological change explains increased skin temperature after vigorous friction massage?

Accepted Answer

Local vasodilation caused by histamine and prostaglandin release

Answer

Decreased sweating reduces evaporative cooling

Answer

Increased sympathetic vasoconstriction

Answer

Reduction in subcutaneous fat insulation

Question 6

How does massage influence the thixotropic properties of the ground substance in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

It temporarily reduces viscosity, making the connective tissue more pliable

Answer

It solidifies the ground substance to provide structural support

Answer

It converts ground substance into collagen fibers

Answer

It permanently changes the chemical composition of proteoglycans

Question 7

A client reports feeling deeply relaxed and slightly drowsy after a full-body Swedish massage. Which neurotransmitter/hormone combination best explains this response?

Accepted Answer

Increased serotonin and increased oxytocin with decreased cortisol

Answer

Increased adrenaline and decreased melatonin

Answer

Increased dopamine and increased norepinephrine

Answer

Decreased GABA and increased substance P