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

Friction massage creates mechanical energy through rapid back-and-forth movements; this mechanical energy converts to thermal energy in the superficial soft tissues, raising local temperature and increasing metabolic activity in that region.

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 enhances local circulation and lymphatic flow, which speeds the clearance of metabolic byproducts such as prostaglandins and cytokines that accumulate after intense exercise, thereby reducing the inflammatory component of DOMS.

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

The gate control theory proposes that stimulation of large-diameter A-beta sensory fibers (activated by light touch and pressure) inhibits the relay of pain signals carried by smaller A-delta and C fibers at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, effectively 'closing the gate' to pain perception.

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

Centripetal effleurage physically compresses superficial veins, propelling blood toward the heart. The one-way venous valves allow this proximal movement and prevent backflow, making this technique effective for enhancing venous return and reducing peripheral edema.

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

Sustained gentle massage activates the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') branch of the autonomic nervous system, leading to a slowing of heart rate, a decrease in respiratory rate, lower blood pressure, and promotion of digestive functions — collectively constituting the relaxation response.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test

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