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Applied
kinesiology is different from kinesiology, a field of scientific study
of the movements of the human body. The science of kinesiology is
sometimes called academic kinesiology and sometimes applied
kinesiology, which can be very confusing. It is important to understand
which kind of kinesiology you are considering. The information below
refers only to applied kinesiology as a complementary practice and not
to the science of human movement.
Other common
name(s): muscle testing, manual muscle testing, AK
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a technique used to diagnose
illness or choose treatment by testing muscles for strength and
weakness.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support the claim that
applied kinesiology can diagnose or treat cancer or other illness.
How is it promoted for use?
The basis of applied kinesiology is that any problem with an
organ is accompanied by weakness in a corresponding muscle. For
instance, a weak muscle in the chest might indicate liver disease,
while weakness of the lower back or leg muscles may be the result of
lung problems. Practitioners claim that by finding the weak muscle they
can identify the underlying illness and make decisions about treatment.
They believe that strengthening of the weak muscles shows that the
internal organs have strengthened as well.
Applied kinesiology is sometimes used to try to determine
whether a particular food or other substance weakens or strengthens a
person. The food or substance may be placed under the tongue or held in
the hand as a muscle is tested. Applied kinesiology may also be used to
check emotional responses to situations or other people. This is done
by muscle testing as the patient imagines being in the situation, says
the person’s name, or pictures the person nearby.
Applied kinesiologists claim muscle weakness may also be
caused by a number of internal energy disruptions, such as nerve
damage, poor drainage in the lymph system, reduced blood supply,
chemical imbalances, or organ and gland problems. Practitioners may
recommend that people confirm the diagnosis with standard diagnostic
methods, such as laboratory tests and x-rays.
Applied kinesiology is usually used for evaluation purposes,
but claims have been made that after undergoing an AK session, it is
possible to observe the "spontaneous remission" of cancer.
What does it involve?
Applied kinesiologists are often chiropractors, but they may
also be naturopaths, doctors, nurses, or other health care workers.
They assess patients by observing posture, gait, muscle strength, range
of motion, and by touching the patient. These observations may be
combined with more common methods of diagnosis, such as a health
history, a physical examination, and laboratory tests. Practitioners
may also test for environmental or food sensitivities.
During the treatment, the patient might be asked to hold a
body part in a certain position while the practitioner tries to push it
out of that position. The relative strength differences are supposed to
help the applied kinesiologist diagnose internal imbalances. The
practitioner might also press on key "trigger points" to find out if
they cause muscle weakness.
To restore muscle strength, the applied kinesiologist may
apply manual stimulation and relaxation techniques to key muscles. The
treatment may also include joint manipulation or movement, diet
changes, reflex procedures, manipulation of the head, or other types of
treatment.
What is the history behind it?
Applied kinesiology was developed by Michigan chiropractor
George J. Goodheart, Jr in 1964. Dr. Goodheart reported that a patient
with an immobile shoulder visited his office. An examination revealed
no abnormalities, even though the patient had complained of the problem
for more than 15 years. When Dr. Goodheart pressed on small nodules
near the origin of the pain, the muscle strength returned to normal and
the shoulder's motion was restored. By "tugging" on particular trigger
points, Goodheart claimed he could stimulate muscles to regain lost
strength and function. He later incorporated disease diagnosis into his
kinesiology system.
Today, practitioners who use applied kinesiology include
chiropractors, naturopaths, physicians, dentists, nutritionists,
physical therapists, massage therapists, and nurse practitioners.
Certification to practice as an applied kinesiologist is available from
the International College of Applied Kinesiology. To reach the highest
level of certification, more than 300 hours of instruction, several
proficiency exams, and submission of original research papers are
required. However, this college is not recognized by the Council on
Chiropractic Education, the agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of
Education for the accreditation of programs offering the doctor of
chiropractic degree. It works to ensure the quality of chiropractic
education in the United States.
What is the evidence?
A few researchers have investigated kinesiology muscle-testing
procedures in controlled clinical studies. The results showed that
applied kinesiology was not an accurate diagnostic tool, and that
muscle response was not any more useful than random guessing. In fact,
one study found that assessments by experienced applied kinesiologists
of nutrient status for the same patients varied widely. In addition,
when muscle testing was compared to laboratory testing for the
nutrients in question, muscle testing did not correlate to laboratory
results that showed adequate or deficient nutrients.
A German group of researchers tried applied kinesiology to see
if it would be helpful in diagnosing nutritional intolerances in
children. Different applied kinesiologists got different results for
the same patients, and there was no significant relationship between
muscle testing and laboratory tests for these conditions.
More recently, dentists used applied kinesiology to test
patients for tolerance to 2 types of dental material. Each subject's
result was recorded. Later, applied kinesiology was used to test the
same patients so that neither the tester nor the patients knew which
material was being used. The results did not match the previous results
any better than random chance, leading the researchers to conclude that
the method was not reliable.
Although some claim that research supports applied
kinesiology, the studies cited are often about academic kinesiology
(the study of human movement), not the practice of applied kinesiology.
In addition, a review of more than 50 research papers published by the
International College of Applied Kinesiology found that the studies did
not meet basic standards for scientific research.
Some personal accounts of successful applied kinesiology
treatments do exist. However, available scientific evidence does not
support applied kinesiology to diagnose or cure cancer or any other
disease.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Applied kinesiology procedures are considered relatively safe,
although conclusions drawn from them may be incorrect. Treatment that
is based on applied kinesiology has occasionally resulted in harm,
including at least one death, due to incorrect diagnosis or treatment
selection. Relying on this diagnostic method alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical diagnosis and treatment for cancer, may
have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Barrett S. Applied kinesiology: Muscle-testing for allergies
and nutrient deficiencies. Available at: http://www.quackwatch.org.
Accessed March 13, 2007.
Haas M, Peterson D, Hoyer D, Ross G. Muscle testing response
to provocative vertebral challenge and spinal manipulation: a
randomized controlled trial of construct validity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther.1994;17:141-148.
Hyman R. How people are fooled by ideomotor action. Accessed
at: www.quackwatch.org on May 30, 2008. Also available in print at
Hyman R. The mischief-making of ideomotor action. The Scientific Review
of Alternative Medicine. Fall-Winter, 1999.
International College of Applied Kinesiology. What is Applied
Kinesiology? Accessed at: www.icak.com on March 13, 2007.
Kenney JJ, Clemens R, Forsythe KD. Applied kinesiology
unreliable for assessing nutrient status. J Am Diet Assoc.1988;88:698-704.
Klinkoski B, Leboeuf C. A review of the research papers
published by the International College of Applied Kinesiology from 1981
to 1987. J Manipulative
Physiol Ther.1990;13:190-194.
Jarvis WT. Applied Kinesiology. National Council Against
Health Fraud. Accessed at: www.ncahf.org on May 30, 2008.
Pothmann R, von Frankenberg S, Hoicke C, Weingarten H, Ludtke
R. Forsch [Evaluation of applied kinesiology in nutritional intolerance
of childhood] PubMed Abstract [Article in German] Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd.
2001;8:336-344.
Staehle HJ, Koch MJ, Pioch T. Double-blind study on materials
testing with applied kinesiology. J
Dent Res. 2005;84:1066-1069.
WholeHealthMD. Applied Kinesiology. Accessed at:
www.wholehealthmd.com on June 2, 2008.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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