NCBTMB Bodywork Application and Physiology 5

Question 1

The two primary divisions of the autonomic nervous system that are directly influenced by massage therapy are the:

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

Answer

Massage primarily modulates the autonomic nervous system by decreasing sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity and increasing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) tone.

Question 2

Which massage stroke is MOST effective at stimulating the nervous system and is typically used at the END of a session to invigorate the client?

Accepted Answer

Tapotement

Answer

Tapotement — including hacking, cupping, and tapping — provides percussive stimulation that activates the nervous system and is often applied to invigorate clients before they rise from the table.

Question 3

The anatomical term 'prone' describes a client lying:

Accepted Answer

Face down, on their stomach

Answer

Prone position means lying face down on the massage table, allowing access to the posterior body surfaces.

Question 4

A client presents with numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers that worsens at night. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression)

Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome compresses the median nerve, producing paresthesia in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger, often worsening at night.

Question 5

When assessing postural deviations, an excessive anterior curve of the lumbar spine is called:

Accepted Answer

Lordosis

Answer

Lumbar lordosis is an exaggerated inward curve of the lower back, often associated with tight hip flexors and weak abdominals.

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test

NCBTMB Bodywork Application and Physiology 5