Massage Therapy MBLEx Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Which muscle's origin is the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and whose action includes flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation of the hip?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Sartorius. The sartorius originates at the ASIS and, because it crosses both the hip and knee obliquely, it produces hip flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation — making it the longest muscle in the body and uniquely multi-functional.

Question 2

An isometric muscle contraction is BEST described as one in which:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Muscle tension is generated but joint angle and muscle length do not change. Isometric contractions occur when the force generated by the muscle equals the resistance, resulting in no change in joint angle or muscle length — for example, holding a plank position.

Question 3

The rhomboid major and minor insert on the medial border of the scapula and perform which primary action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Scapular retraction and downward rotation. The rhomboids retract (adduct) the scapula toward the vertebral column and rotate the glenoid fossa downward; they are therefore antagonists to the serratus anterior's protraction and upward rotation.

Question 4

The gastrocnemius originates on the posterior femoral condyles and inserts via the Achilles tendon onto the calcaneus. Its primary actions are:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Plantarflexion of the ankle and flexion of the knee. Because the gastrocnemius crosses both the knee (posteriorly) and the ankle (via the Achilles tendon), it plantarflexes the ankle and assists knee flexion; this dual-joint action distinguishes it from the single-joint soleus.

Question 5

During the lowering (descent) phase of a squat, the quadriceps femoris group contracts while being lengthened by gravity's load. This is an example of which contraction type?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Eccentric isotonic contraction. An eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle generates tension while lengthening (yielding to a load greater than the muscular force), which is precisely what the quadriceps do to control the rate of descent during a squat.

Question 6

The hip joint is classified as a ball-and-socket joint. Compared to the shoulder's glenohumeral joint, the hip sacrifices some range of motion for increased stability primarily due to:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A deeper acetabulum, acetabular labrum, and stronger surrounding ligaments. The hip achieves greater bony stability than the shoulder because the deep acetabulum (deepened further by the fibrocartilaginous labrum) and robust capsular ligaments (iliofemoral, pubofemoral, ischiofemoral) constrain the femoral head, trading full mobility for weight-bearing stability.

Question 7

A massage therapist is applying deep longitudinal strokes along the posterior thigh. The client reports tightness in the hamstring group. Which of the following correctly pairs each hamstring muscle with its DISTAL insertion?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Semitendinosus → pes anserinus (medial tibia); semimembranosus → posterior medial condyle of tibia; biceps femoris → head of fibula. The standard anatomical insertions are: semitendinosus to the pes anserinus on the anteromedial tibia, semimembranosus to the posterior medial tibial condyle, and biceps femoris (both heads) to the head of the fibula — a clinically important distinction for accurate palpation and treatment.

Question 8

A client arrives for a full-body massage and tells you they were diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in their left calf three days ago. What is the most appropriate action?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Decline to massage the client and refer them to their physician. DVT is an absolute contraindication for massage because mechanical pressure or movement can dislodge the thrombus, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Question 9

A client presents with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) and reports feeling fatigued. Which response reflects correct contraindication protocol?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Postpone the massage until the fever has resolved. Fever is a systemic absolute contraindication because massage increases circulation and metabolic activity, potentially worsening the underlying infection and spreading pathogens.

Question 10

Which of the following skin conditions represents an absolute contraindication for massage over the affected area?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Tinea corporis (ringworm) on the forearm. Tinea corporis is a contagious fungal infection, making it a local contraindication (and effectively absolute at the site) because direct contact can transmit the infection to the therapist and other clients.

Massage Therapy MBLEx Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

More Massage Therapy MBLEx practice questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.