Applied kinesiology
Applied kinesiology (AK) is an alternative medicine practice that utilizes muscle testing techniques to identify health issues. Developed by chiropractor George J. Goodheart, Jr. in 1964, AK posits that specific muscle weaknesses correlate with various organ dysfunctions and diseases. Practitioners often apply muscle-testing procedures to diagnose conditions, which may include allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and other health concerns. Treatments based on AK may involve special diets, acupressure, and spinal manipulation, among other methods.
However, AK is not recognized by the scientific community due to a lack of empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Research has failed to establish reliable connections between muscle responses and specific diseases, and many studies highlight the influence of external factors, such as suggestion and muscle fatigue, on testing outcomes. While AK techniques are generally safe, they may lead to temporary discomfort and could potentially delay patients from seeking conventional medical care for serious conditions. Thus, it is recommended that AK be viewed as a complementary approach rather than a standalone diagnostic tool.
Applied kinesiology
DEFINITION: The use of techniques such as muscle testing to identify health problems.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Allergies, disease diagnosis, neurologic evaluation, nutritional deficiencies, organ dysfunction
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Dyslexia, handwriting performance, mastalgia
Overview
The modern practice of applied kinesiology (AK) began in 1964 when chiropractor George J. Goodheart, Jr. observed that poor posture is often associated with weak muscles. Through his work, he linked specific diseases to the strength or weakness of muscles. Although many practitioners of AK refer to their work as kinesiology, AK should not be confused with standard kinesiology, which is the scientific study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relationship to human movement.
Mechanism of Action
The fundamental idea of AK is that every organ dysfunction in the body is accompanied by a specific muscle weakness. Particular disease states in the body can then be tied directly to the corresponding internal organs by determining what factor weakened a previously strong muscle.
Uses and Applications
AK believes that muscle-testing procedures can be used to diagnose whatever illness might be afflicting a person. Treatment with appropriate nutrients, special diets, acupressure, various reflex procedures, and spinal or joint manipulation may be used in an effort to improve health.
Scientific Evidence
Viewed as an alternative medicine practice, AK lacks standing in the scientific community as there are no published scientific studies establishing specific links between muscle responses and diseases that affect organs. Researchers who have conducted elaborate double-blind trials have concluded that connections between muscle weakness and particular diseases are a random phenomena. Diagnoses of nutritional deficiencies by AK are not verified by the nutrient levels determined by blood serum analysis.
Other studies demonstrate that the power of suggestion, distractions, variations in the amount of force or leverage applied to muscles, and muscle fatigue all play a significant role in the outcome of muscle testing. Results from the scientific review of twenty research papers published by the International College of Applied Kinesiology concluded that none of the papers included statistical analyses rigorous enough to confer validity on their findings.
Although AK has been suggested for the treatment of many conditions, high-quality scientific research and findings are very limited. AK has not been shown to provide an effective diagnosis or treatment of any disease. No differences were found in controlled studies using nutrient substances versus placebos.
Safety Issues
AK techniques are generally safe but can produce temporary pain. Also, persons using AK could find that their illness has been left undetected and untreated. Sole AK use could delay the time it takes for a person to see a qualified healthcare provider about a potentially life-threatening condition. One should not rely solely on AK for diagnosis; instead, AK should be used to enhance standard medical diagnosis and therapy.
Bibliography
Barrett, Stephen. “Applied Kinesiology: Phony Muscle-Testing for ‘Allergies’ and ‘Nutrient Deficiencies.’” Quackwatch, 23 Aug. 2014, www.quackwatch.com/01quackeryrelatedtopics/tests/ak.html. Accessed 23 Sep. 2024.
Clarke, Ashton. “Muscle Testing and Applied Kinesiology.” Healthline, 29 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/muscle-testing#takeaway. Accessed 23 Sep. 2024.
Frost, Robert. Applied Kinesiology: A Training Manual and Reference Book of Basic Principles and Practices. North Atlantic Books, 2002.
Neumann, Donald A. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 2nd ed., Mosby/Elsevier, 2010.
Walther, David S. Applied Kinesiology: Synopsis. 2nd ed., Systems DC, 2000.
“What is AK?” International College of Applied Kinesiology, www.icakusa.com/what-is-ak. Accessed 23 Sep. 2024.