Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Physiological Effects of Massage 4

Question 1

What is the effect of massage on lymphocyte count, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, as supported by research?

Accepted Answer

Massage increases NK cell number and cytotoxicity, enhancing immune surveillance

Answer

Massage significantly decreases NK cell activity

Answer

Massage has no measurable effect on lymphocyte populations

Answer

Massage suppresses all lymphocyte activity equally

Question 2

When tapotement is applied to the thoracic region, what is the primary clinical effect on the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It mechanically loosens and helps mobilize bronchial secretions

Answer

It directly increases oxygen saturation in the alveoli

Answer

It closes the bronchioles to reduce coughing

Answer

It stimulates diaphragmatic nerve fibers to increase respiratory rate

Question 3

What is the physiological basis for the referred sensation experienced when a trigger point is compressed?

Accepted Answer

Central sensitization and convergence of afferent neurons at the dorsal horn

Answer

Motor nerve axon sprouting into adjacent dermatomes

Answer

Direct pressure on a peripheral nerve branch

Answer

Contraction of satellite cells in adjacent muscle fibers

Question 4

How does massage affect the production of substance P in chronic pain conditions?

Accepted Answer

Massage reduces substance P levels, contributing to decreased pain perception

Answer

Massage increases substance P to heighten pain awareness

Answer

Massage converts substance P into endorphins

Answer

Massage blocks substance P receptors permanently

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the effect of massage on arterial blood pressure in hypertensive clients?

Accepted Answer

Massage produces a temporary but clinically meaningful reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure

Answer

Massage has no proven effect on arterial blood pressure

Answer

Massage consistently raises systolic pressure during treatment

Answer

Massage permanently normalizes blood pressure after one session

Question 6

What is the role of endorphins in the physiological response to massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are endogenous opioid peptides released by the brain that reduce pain and produce euphoria

Answer

Endorphins are released by mast cells to cause local vasodilation

Answer

Endorphins signal muscles to contract during deep tissue massage

Answer

Endorphins suppress serotonin release during massage

Question 7

A therapist applies deep, slow strokes to a chronically hypertonic hamstring. Which mechanoreceptor is most responsible for the resulting reduction in muscle tone?

Accepted Answer

Golgi tendon organs

Answer

Ruffini endings

Answer

Merkel's discs

Answer

Pacinian corpuscles