Free MBLEx Test Physiological Effects of Massage Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client receiving a relaxation massage experiences a noticeable decrease in heart rate and reports feeling a sense of calm. This response is primarily mediated by the activation of which part of the nervous system?
- Somatic nervous system
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system (Correct answer)
- Central nervous system
Correct answer: Parasympathetic nervous system
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest-and-digest' response, which conserves energy by slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles. Relaxation massage techniques stimulate this system, leading to the physiological effects of calmness and reduced heart rate.
Question 2: Which of the following describes a reflexive effect of massage therapy?
- Reduction of fibrous adhesions in muscle tissue.
- Increased local circulation due to the friction of a stroke.
- Decreased cortisol levels in response to calming strokes. (Correct answer)
- Manual stretching of muscle fibers during petrissage.
Correct answer: Decreased cortisol levels in response to calming strokes.
A reflexive effect is an indirect response to touch that occurs via the nervous or endocrine systems. The reduction of cortisol, a stress hormone, happens as a systemic response to the relaxation induced by massage, which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The other options are mechanical effects, which are direct physical results of the techniques applied.
Question 3: A client who completed a marathon two days ago is experiencing significant delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Massage is beneficial in alleviating DOMS primarily by:
- Increasing the number of muscle fibers.
- Promoting the release of lactic acid from the muscles.
- Reducing inflammation and improving circulation to damaged tissues. (Correct answer)
- Directly repairing microscopic tears in the muscle.
Correct answer: Reducing inflammation and improving circulation to damaged tissues.
Research indicates that massage helps alleviate DOMS by reducing inflammation and decreasing creatine kinase (a marker of muscle damage). It also improves circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues to aid recovery and helps clear metabolic byproducts.
Question 4: Massage therapy has been shown to increase the level of which hormone, often called the 'cuddle hormone' or 'love hormone,' which is associated with feelings of bonding and well-being?
- Cortisol
- Adrenaline
- Oxytocin (Correct answer)
- Aldosterone
Correct answer: Oxytocin
Studies have demonstrated that massage therapy can increase the levels of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and is associated with social bonding, trust, and feelings of calm and connection.
Question 5: A client reports that the pain from a chronic shoulder issue feels significantly less intense during and immediately after a massage session. This phenomenon is best explained by which physiological principle?
- The All-or-None Principle
- The Gate Control Theory of Pain (Correct answer)
- The General Adaptation Syndrome
- The Stretch Reflex
Correct answer: The Gate Control Theory of Pain
The Gate Control Theory of Pain posits that non-painful input closes the 'gates' to painful input, preventing pain sensations from traveling to the central nervous system. The tactile stimulation of massage activates large-diameter nerve fibers (A-beta fibers) which are faster than the smaller fibers that transmit pain (A-delta and C fibers), effectively blocking the pain signals at the spinal cord level.
Question 6: The vasodilation and increased local blood flow that create hyperemia (redness) in the tissue being worked on is primarily what type of effect?
- A systemic effect
- A psychological effect
- A reflexive effect
- A mechanical effect (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A mechanical effect
A mechanical effect is a direct result of the physical forces of massage, such as compression and friction, on the tissues. The friction and pressure from massage strokes directly stimulate the dilation of local blood vessels, increasing blood flow to that specific area and causing hyperemia.
