Applied Kinesiology (A.K.) is a system using muscle testing as a functional neurological evaluation.
The methodology is concerned primarily with neuromuscular function as it relates to the structural, chemical and mental physiologic regulatory mechanisms. A.K., which originated within the chiropractic profession, is an approach to clinical practice, with multidisciplinary applications.
The only time I have seen this used is at the chiropractor’s office, or by a homeopathic doctor (of which my mother was fond).
Is there any truth to this system? Does it really work?
My chiro uses this method, and I often wonder if he is really doing anything with all of this, or if I’m watching him use some form of modern snake oil.
Kathryn Luttgens, Ph.D., Professor of the Boston-Bouve College of Human Development at Northeastern U., and Katharine Wells, Ph.D. have co-authored a book called “* Kinesiology *” subtitled "Scientific Basis of Human Motion.
The opening sentences in this work defines kinesiology: “Kinesiology, as it is known in physical education, orthopedics, and physical medicine, is the study of human movement from the point of view of the physical sciences. The study of the human body as a machine for the performance of work has its foundations in three major areas of study, namely, mechanics, anatomy and physiology; more specifically, biomechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy, and neuromuscular physiology.”
It’s not a matter of “is there any truth to this system?” It is based upon well-studied human movements, the mechanics of them, and how we can improve our movements to more effectively participate in various sports and activities of daily living. The book points out the results of studies demonstrating what muscles are used in what activities. For example, on page 228, it states: "The external and internal obliques working together were found to show marked activity in two types of movement, namely straining and bearing down when the breath is held. [Here follows the studies.]
So, you see it is a combo of anatomy and physiology, mechanics being a part of physiology.
I’d be very surprised to learn of a reputable neurologist who uses Applied Kinesiology (AK) methods at all, let alone “does this all the time” or “knows the limits of the method”.
I don’t know anything about “Applied Kinesiology.” I think much of what chiropractors do - and all of what homeopathic practitioners do - is hooey, ftr.
The field of “Kinesiology” though (as opposed to “Applied…”?), is legit. It’s the study of human movement. They offer degrees in kinesiology in Physical Education depts. at many universities. It isn’t thought to be a quack field.
Right, that’s what the Quackwatch link says, and what I pointed out to Barbitu8. There’s kinesiology, which is legit, and then there’s applied kinesiology, or AK, which isn’t. It sounds like Aenea is asking about “applied kinesiology”, even though it says “kinesiology” in the thread title.
It’s just like chiropractors to take a perfectly good science, such as kinesiology, and pervert it. They have a lingo of their own: subluxation, etc. Now AK. (No offense to any chiropractors out there. But the truth is the truth.)
My wife has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and is a practicing exercise therapist. Here’s what real Kinesiologists do. My wife says that one of the biggest problems Kins have is people confusing them with the quacks (I’ve heard them (the quacks) called Bio-Kinesiologists as well).
While you can’t call yourself a physiotherapist or MD without the necessary qualifications, you can call yourself a Kinesiologist. Apparently the various Kinesiology associations are pushing to change that and put the quacks out of business. We’ll see whether it happens or not.
Great stuff.
