Thermotherapy's effect on metabolism is

• A. It decreases metabolic rate
• B. It increases metabolic rate
• C. It has no effect on metabolism
• D. It decreases body temperature

Answer: (B)

Heating tissue raises its temperature, which speeds up cellular reactions and enzymatic activity. When temperature climbs, metabolic rate increases because biochemical processes occur more quickly (the idea similar to the Q10 effect, where reaction rates rise with temperature in the physiological range). This boost in metabolism supports healing by increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery and more efficient removal of waste through greater blood flow. So thermotherapy increases metabolic rate. It does not decrease metabolism, it does not have no effect, and it does not lower tissue temperature.