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Muscle response testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments through weak muscles. AK is based on the idea that for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and thus any internal issues will be accompanied by related muscle weakness. During testing, a practitioner will apply force to a specific muscle or group of muscles and ask the patient to resist. The practitioner will then evaluate the tension in the muscle and the smoothness of the response. While some studies have found AK to be effective in certain cases, it has largely been rejected by the medical community as a diagnostic tool.
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What You'll Learn
Autonomic response testing
ART is an accurate and efficient way of evaluating the autonomic nervous system's response to a variety of stressors. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the part of our nervous system that functions automatically and requires no conscious thought. The ANS controls the beating of the heart, blood pressure, detoxification of toxins, digestion, and brain function. ART can be used to diagnose difficult conditions and help determine the most likely beneficial therapy.
There are many stressors, both internal and external, that can interfere with the proper function of the ANS. ART identifies which stressors are interfering with ANS function. These stressors could include infections, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. ART can detect when the body's innate regulatory abilities have been compromised. The body's sympathetic nerves begin to fire and cause a change in muscle strength to "block" or tighten when something is harmful. When something is beneficial or healing, the parasympathetic nerves fire and cause a muscle relaxation response.
ART is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques, such as laboratory tests using blood, urine, stool, and saliva, to guide and prioritize treatments.
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Applied kinesiology
AK posits that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, known as the "viscerosomatic relationship". It is used to evaluate structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health by testing muscle strength and response to tension. During a manual muscle test, the practitioner applies force to a specific muscle or group of muscles, and the patient resists this force. The practitioner then evaluates the tension in the muscle and the smoothness of the response, which is indicative of spindle cell response during contraction. A smooth response is referred to as a "strong muscle", while an inappropriate response is called a "weak response".
Therapy localization is a diagnostic technique unique to AK. The patient places their hand on the skin over an area suspected to need therapeutic attention. This fingertip contact may lead to a change in muscle response from strong to weak or vice versa when therapeutic intervention is indicated. If the area touched does not require intervention, the muscle response remains unaffected.
Nutrient testing is another aspect of AK, where the response of a patient's muscles to various chemicals is examined. Gustatory and olfactory stimulation are said to alter the outcome of a manual muscle test, with previously weak muscles being strengthened by the application of the correct nutritional supplement and strong muscles being weakened by exposure to harmful substances or allergens.
AK has been criticized and rejected by the medical community as a diagnostic tool for conditions beyond musculoskeletal disorders. Studies have found little to no scientific rationale for AK methods, and organizations such as the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have advised against using AK to diagnose allergies. The American Cancer Society has also stated that "available scientific evidence does not support the claim that applied kinesiology can diagnose or treat cancer or other illness".
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Manual muscle testing
MMT is a highly reliable method for assessing strength, using a standardised clinical examination. The patient is positioned to allow full movement of the joint against gravity, and the examiner demonstrates the desired movement. The examiner then requests the patient to repeat the motion. If the patient can move through the desired range of motion against gravity, the examiner attempts to apply resistance in the testing position. The patient is asked to resist the force, and the examiner evaluates the tension in the muscle and the smoothness of the response. A smooth response is sometimes referred to as a "strong muscle", while a response that is not appropriate is called a "weak response".
The most commonly accepted method of evaluating muscle strength is the Oxford Scale, or the Medical Research Council Manual Muscle Testing scale. This method involves testing key muscles from the upper and lower extremities against the examiner's resistance and grading the patient's strength on a scale from 0 to 5. Commonly tested muscles include the shoulder abductors, elbow flexors, and finger flexors.
MMT can also be used with mechanically ventilated patients who can tolerate sitting upright in bed and are able to follow two-step commands. In addition, muscle strength can be assessed using a handheld dynamometer, which provides a more precise measurement of the force a muscle can exert.
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Self-muscle testing
There are three primary ways to self-muscle test: whole-body, two-handed, and one-handed. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing a self-muscle test:
- Preparation: Ensure you are well-rested and hydrated, and try to eat a clean diet. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, relax, and bend your knees slightly. Roll your shoulders back and keep your head tall. Take three slow deep breaths, clear your mind, and ground yourself by feeling your feet planted solidly on the ground.
- Asking Questions: Start by asking simple calibration questions that you know the answers to, such as stating your name. Then, move on to specific, active statements that are clear and specific, such as "I will run five miles today." Avoid vague questions that are open to multiple interpretations. It is also important to phrase your questions carefully and neutrally, focusing on the present or past rather than the future.
- Interpreting Responses: For whole-body testing, a yes or positive response is indicated by your body swaying slightly forward, while a no or negative response is indicated by swaying backward. For two-handed testing, create a circle with your thumb and index finger on your dominant hand. With your non-dominant hand, place your thumb against your ring finger, forming a loop. Insert the circle from your dominant hand into the loop of your non-dominant hand and try to pull the fingers apart. If the loop stays closed, it indicates a strong response ("yes"), while if it opens easily, it indicates a weak response ("no").
- Advanced Techniques: Once you become proficient, you can try asking the same question in different ways to ensure consistency in your responses. You can also try the interlocking finger test, where you interlock the fingers of both hands and try to pull them apart to gauge the strength of your response. Additionally, you can shuffle and randomly select foods or supplements to test if they are a good fit for you at a particular time.
Remember, self-muscle testing requires practice and a centred mind. It is important to be gentle with yourself and not use injured or stiff body parts. Always use your best judgment and seek professional medical advice when needed.
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Physical therapy
Muscle response testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is a technique used by physical therapists to evaluate muscle strength and identify imbalances or weaknesses. This can aid in diagnosing structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments, as well as allergies and sensitivities.
During a muscle response test, the practitioner will apply force to specific muscles or groups of muscles and ask the patient to resist. The practitioner will then evaluate the tension in the muscle and the smoothness of the response. One common test is the delta test, where the practitioner pulls the patient's arm downward, and the patient resists. Another variation is nutrient testing, where muscle responses are evaluated after exposure to certain substances to identify allergies.
The Oxford Scale, also known as the Medical Research Council Manual Muscle Testing scale, is the most commonly accepted method for evaluating muscle strength. It involves testing key muscles against the examiner's resistance and grading the patient's strength on a scale from 0 to 5. Commonly tested muscles include the shoulder abductors, elbow flexors, wrist extensors, and finger flexors.
In the context of physical therapy, MMT is often used to assess strength discrepancies in orthopedic and neurological cases. When testing isolated joint actions and muscle strength, the examiner applies external force to the muscle group, and the patient resists. The levels of resistance applied may need to be adjusted according to the patient's size and weight, especially in the case of young children. Functional tasks, such as sitting, standing, or climbing stairs, can also provide valuable insights into muscle strength and control.
Overall, muscle response testing is a valuable tool for physical therapists to identify muscle imbalances and weaknesses, which can inform effective treatment plans and help patients recover from injuries, chronic pain, or surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle response testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is a diagnostic technique that tests muscle strength to identify structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments through weak muscles.
During muscle response testing, a practitioner will apply force to a specific muscle or group of muscles and ask the patient to resist. The practitioner will then evaluate the tension in the muscle and the smoothness of the response.
The goal of muscle response testing is to identify specific muscles or groups of muscles that are not functioning properly. The results of the test are used alongside other diagnostic information to make an accurate diagnosis and implement the correct treatment.
One common test, the delta test, is performed by having the practitioner pull the patient's arm downward and having the patient resist.
One treatment plan based on muscle response testing is the NET technique, which aims to remove hindrances within the body to allow the body to heal itself.
