Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Benefits and Effects of Massage 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the effect of massage on arterial circulation?
- It constricts arterioles, reducing blood pressure
- It dilates peripheral blood vessels, increasing local blood flow (Correct answer)
- It redirects blood flow away from the skin surface
- It has no measurable effect on arterial circulation
Correct answer: It dilates peripheral blood vessels, increasing local blood flow
Massage stimulates peripheral vasodilation through mechanical pressure and reflex responses, increasing local arterial blood flow and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Question 2: What is the primary effect of massage on muscle tone in hypertonic (overly tight) muscles?
- It increases neural firing to the muscle
- It causes permanent fiber shortening
- It decreases excessive muscle tone by reducing motor neuron excitability (Correct answer)
- It converts fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch fibers
Correct answer: It decreases excessive muscle tone by reducing motor neuron excitability
Massage reduces hypertonicity by inhibiting excessive motor neuron firing through mechanoreceptor stimulation, effectively lowering resting muscle tension.
Question 3: Which neurochemical is most associated with the documented mood-elevating effects of massage therapy?
- Cortisol
- Adrenaline
- Serotonin (Correct answer)
- Histamine
Correct answer: Serotonin
Research consistently shows that massage increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, feelings of well-being, and reduced depression.
Question 4: How does massage therapy affect cortisol levels in the body?
- It significantly increases cortisol production
- It has no effect on cortisol
- It decreases cortisol levels, reducing the stress response (Correct answer)
- It converts cortisol into adrenaline
Correct answer: It decreases cortisol levels, reducing the stress response
Studies demonstrate that massage lowers salivary and urinary cortisol levels, which reflects a reduction in physiological stress and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Question 5: What is the effect of massage on connective tissue and fascial adhesions?
- It reinforces scar tissue formation
- It helps break down adhesions and improve tissue extensibility (Correct answer)
- It causes connective tissue to calcify
- It has no effect on fascia
Correct answer: It helps break down adhesions and improve tissue extensibility
Mechanical pressure and movement applied during massage helps separate connective tissue adhesions, increases collagen fiber mobility, and improves the extensibility and pliability of fascia.
Question 6: Which of the following is a documented effect of massage on the parasympathetic nervous system?
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Pupil dilation and bronchodilation
- Decreased digestive activity
- Decreased heart rate and promotion of relaxation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Decreased heart rate and promotion of relaxation
Massage activates the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') branch of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and an overall state of relaxation.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Benefits and Effects of Massage 1
Which of the following best describes the effect of massage on arterial circulation?