Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Physiological Effects of Massage 1

Question 1

Which physiological mechanism explains the temporary increase in local tissue temperature that occurs during friction massage techniques?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical energy from friction is converted to thermal energy in superficial tissues

Answer

Increased lymphatic drainage removes heat-absorbing fluid from tissues

Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation triggers thermogenic brown adipose activity

Answer

Vasoconstriction reduces heat dissipation from the skin surface

Question 2

What is the primary reason massage therapy reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) when applied 24–48 hours after intense exercise?

Accepted Answer

Massage accelerates the removal of metabolic waste and reduces inflammatory mediator accumulation

Answer

Massage stimulates satellite cell proliferation to rapidly repair micro-tears

Answer

Massage increases acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction

Answer

Massage converts fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch fibers to reduce fatigue

Question 3

During a relaxation massage session, the gate control theory of pain modulation is best demonstrated by which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Large-diameter mechanoreceptor afferents activated by touch inhibit nociceptive transmission at the dorsal horn

Answer

Release of endorphins from the pituitary gland blocks spinal pain signals

Answer

Parasympathetic dominance suppresses the thalamic relay of pain signals

Answer

Reduced cortisol levels lower the perception threshold for pain stimuli

Question 4

What happens to venous blood flow in a limb when effleurage strokes are applied in a centripetal (toward the heart) direction?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical compression assists venous return by propelling blood toward the heart and briefly opening venous valves

Answer

Venous return is decreased because valve cusps are pushed closed by proximal pressure

Answer

Arterial perfusion pressure drops, passively drawing venous blood distally

Answer

Sympathetic vasoconstriction redirects venous blood into deeper perforating vessels

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the effect of massage on the parasympathetic nervous system during a 45-minute full-body relaxation session?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic tone increases, promoting decreased heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, and digestive activity

Answer

Parasympathetic tone decreases as the body shifts into a heightened state of awareness

Answer

Parasympathetic activity remains unchanged because it is only activated by internal visceral stimuli

Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation causes bronchodilation and increased skeletal muscle tone

Question 6

How does massage therapy affect interstitial fluid and contribute to the reduction of peripheral edema in non-pathological cases?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical compression and stroking move interstitial fluid into lymphatic capillaries, enhancing lymphatic uptake and drainage

Answer

Massage increases osmotic pressure in capillaries, drawing excess fluid back into the bloodstream

Answer

Massage activates aldosterone secretion, causing the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and water

Answer

Rhythmic compression closes lymphatic valves, preventing fluid from accumulating in peripheral tissues