Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Physiological Effects of Massage 5

Question 1

What is the physiological explanation for the erythema (redness) that appears on skin during and after massage?

Accepted Answer

Histamine-mediated vasodilation of superficial dermal capillaries

Answer

Rupture of superficial capillaries causing microbleeding

Answer

Increased melanin production in melanocytes

Answer

Lymphatic congestion in the dermis

Question 2

Which physiological change best explains improved joint range of motion following regular massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Decreased viscosity of synovial fluid and reduced periarticular soft tissue tension

Answer

Elongation of joint cartilage surfaces

Answer

Fusion of accessory joint facets

Answer

Increased bone density at joint margins

Question 3

How does massage affect muscle fiber recruitment threshold in athletes?

Accepted Answer

It normalizes resting tone, allowing more efficient recruitment when needed

Answer

It raises the recruitment threshold, making muscles harder to fatigue

Answer

It lowers the recruitment threshold, leading to overtraining

Answer

It eliminates fast-twitch fiber contribution to movement

Question 4

What is the term for the increase in blood flow to a region immediately following the release of sustained compression during massage?

Accepted Answer

Reactive hyperemia

Answer

Active hyperemia

Answer

Passive congestion

Answer

Vasovagal reflex

Question 5

In the context of massage physiology, what is fascial unwinding designed to achieve?

Accepted Answer

Release strain patterns within fascia through slow sustained positional holds that allow piezoelectric remodeling

Answer

Stimulate rapid motor neuron firing in adjacent muscles

Answer

Increase intrafascial calcium concentration

Answer

Compress lymph nodes to enhance drainage

Question 6

Which of the following physiological effects of massage supports its use in the management of fibromyalgia?

Accepted Answer

Elevated serotonin levels improve pain modulation and sleep quality

Answer

Increased sympathetic tone reduces widespread sensitivity

Answer

Increased substance P amplifies pain awareness to retrain the nervous system

Answer

Reduced lymphatic flow decreases systemic inflammation

Question 7

What physiological mechanism explains why massage applied to the abdomen can stimulate peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical stimulation activates the enteric nervous system and parasympathetic reflexes that promote bowel motility

Answer

Direct compression of the intestinal villi increases nutrient absorption

Answer

Massage heats intestinal contents, accelerating enzymatic digestion

Answer

Compression of the colon increases sympathetic tone to the gut