Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Physiological Effects of Massage 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which physiological mechanism explains the temporary increase in local tissue temperature that occurs during friction massage techniques?
- Increased lymphatic drainage removes heat-absorbing fluid from tissues
- Mechanical energy from friction is converted to thermal energy in superficial tissues (Correct answer)
- Parasympathetic stimulation triggers thermogenic brown adipose activity
- Vasoconstriction reduces heat dissipation from the skin surface
Correct answer: Mechanical energy from friction is converted to thermal energy in superficial tissues
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?
- Massage stimulates satellite cell proliferation to rapidly repair micro-tears
- Massage accelerates the removal of metabolic waste and reduces inflammatory mediator accumulation (Correct answer)
- Massage increases acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction
- Massage converts fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch fibers to reduce fatigue
Correct answer: Massage accelerates the removal of metabolic waste and reduces inflammatory mediator accumulation
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?
- Release of endorphins from the pituitary gland blocks spinal pain signals
- Large-diameter mechanoreceptor afferents activated by touch inhibit nociceptive transmission at the dorsal horn (Correct answer)
- Parasympathetic dominance suppresses the thalamic relay of pain signals
- Reduced cortisol levels lower the perception threshold for pain stimuli
Correct answer: Large-diameter mechanoreceptor afferents activated by touch inhibit nociceptive transmission at the dorsal horn
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?
- Venous return is decreased because valve cusps are pushed closed by proximal pressure
- Arterial perfusion pressure drops, passively drawing venous blood distally
- Mechanical compression assists venous return by propelling blood toward the heart and briefly opening venous valves (Correct answer)
- Sympathetic vasoconstriction redirects venous blood into deeper perforating vessels
Correct answer: Mechanical compression assists venous return by propelling blood toward the heart and briefly opening venous valves
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?
- Parasympathetic tone decreases as the body shifts into a heightened state of awareness
- Parasympathetic tone increases, promoting decreased heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, and digestive activity (Correct answer)
- Parasympathetic activity remains unchanged because it is only activated by internal visceral stimuli
- Parasympathetic stimulation causes bronchodilation and increased skeletal muscle tone
Correct answer: Parasympathetic tone increases, promoting decreased heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, and digestive activity
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.
Question 6: How does massage therapy affect interstitial fluid and contribute to the reduction of peripheral edema in non-pathological cases?
- Massage increases osmotic pressure in capillaries, drawing excess fluid back into the bloodstream
- Mechanical compression and stroking move interstitial fluid into lymphatic capillaries, enhancing lymphatic uptake and drainage (Correct answer)
- Massage activates aldosterone secretion, causing the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and water
- Rhythmic compression closes lymphatic valves, preventing fluid from accumulating in peripheral tissues
Correct answer: Mechanical compression and stroking move interstitial fluid into lymphatic capillaries, enhancing lymphatic uptake and drainage
Manual massage strokes mechanically push excess interstitial fluid into the blind-ended lymphatic capillaries (which lack tight junctions and open under pressure), increasing lymphatic uptake and moving fluid toward the lymph nodes for filtration and eventual return to systemic circulation.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Physiological Effects of Massage 1
Which physiological mechanism explains the temporary increase in local tissue temperature that occurs during friction massage techniques?