Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination FREE MBLEx Test Physiological Effects of Massage Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which physiological response is primarily responsible for the reduction in blood pressure observed during Swedish massage?

Accepted Answer

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Swedish massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases heart rate and dilates blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure.

Question 2

What effect does deep tissue massage have on muscle spindle activity?

Accepted Answer

It decreases muscle spindle firing, reducing muscle tone

Answer

Sustained pressure from deep tissue massage reduces muscle spindle firing rates, which decreases excessive muscle tone and promotes relaxation.

Question 3

How does massage therapy influence the level of natural killer (NK) cells in the body?

Accepted Answer

It increases NK cell activity and number

Answer

Research shows that massage therapy boosts natural killer cell activity and count, enhancing the body's innate immune defense.

Question 4

Which hormone is typically elevated following a 60-minute relaxation massage session?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Relaxation massage has been shown to increase serotonin levels, which contributes to improved mood and a sense of well-being.

Question 5

What is the primary physiological mechanism by which effleurage improves venous return?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical pressure moves blood toward the heart through superficial veins

Answer

Effleurage strokes applied toward the heart mechanically push blood through the superficial venous system, enhancing venous return.

Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Practice Test