Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation — Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) Practice Test
75 questions in this topic · 30 drawn at random this round
A relaxing massage tends to shift the autonomic nervous system toward which state?
Session Progress
This Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation practice set has 75 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation.
Sample questions
Three questions from the Benefits and Effects of Soft Tissue Manipulation bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.
What is a well-supported effect of massage on the circulatory system in the region being worked?
- Increased local blood circulation to the tissues being treated — Correct answer
- Complete removal of all toxins from the bloodstream
- A permanent cure for high blood pressure
- Increased blood cell production in the bone marrow
Explanation: Massage mechanically moves blood through the area being worked, increasing LOCAL circulation to those tissues. It does not 'flush toxins,' cure hypertension, or stimulate blood-cell production. Effects are supportive and local, not curative or systemic. (FSMTB Content Area 4 — Benefits and Effects)
Handbook: Benefits & Effects — Circulatory System (FSMTB MBLEx Content Area 4)
To assist venous return, effleurage strokes on a limb are generally directed in which way?
- Toward the heart (centripetally) — Correct answer
- Away from the heart, toward the fingers or toes
- In small circles that do not travel along the limb
- It makes no difference which direction is used
Explanation: Veins carry blood back toward the heart and contain one-way valves, so strokes directed toward the heart mechanically assist venous return. Distal-directed pressure works against the valves. Directional intent matters for circulatory effect. (FSMTB Content Area 4 — Benefits and Effects)
Handbook: Benefits & Effects — Circulatory System (FSMTB MBLEx Content Area 4)
A slow, relaxing massage tends to lower heart rate and blood pressure primarily because it shifts the nervous system toward which state?
- Parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance — Correct answer
- Sympathetic (fight-or-flight) dominance
- Complete shutdown of the autonomic nervous system
- Increased release of adrenaline into the blood
Explanation: A calming, relaxation-oriented session promotes a parasympathetic shift, which can transiently reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Sympathetic activation and adrenaline would raise them. These are short-term supportive effects, not a medical treatment for cardiovascular disease. (FSMTB Content Area 4 — Benefits and Effects)
Handbook: Benefits & Effects — Circulatory System (FSMTB MBLEx Content Area 4)