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Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is a chiropractic technique that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. The basic premise of AK is that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, known as the viscerosomatic relationship. During a test, 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, labelling the muscle as weak or strong. While muscle testing has been criticised as a diagnostic tool, it is argued that it can help locate where the body is struggling to function.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Applied Kinesiology (AK), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Muscle Response Testing |
| Function | Evaluate structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health |
| Method | Muscle response testing, manual muscle testing |
| Premise | Every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle ("viscerosomatic relationship") |
| Treatment Modalities | Joint manipulation and mobilization, myofascial, cranial and meridian therapies, clinical nutrition, and dietary counseling |
| Test Process | Patient uses target muscle or muscle group to resist while practitioner applies force |
| Result Interpretation | Smooth response = "strong muscle"; inappropriate response = "weak response" |
| Applications | Diagnose a range of issues, including musculoskeletal structure, gut problems, food intolerance, allergies |
| Scientific Evidence | Limited support, with studies showing comparable accuracy to other tests for sacroiliac dysfunction but ineffectiveness for diagnosing allergies, organic disease, or mental illness |
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What You'll Learn
Medication muscle testing is a form of applied kinesiology (AK)
AK was founded by chiropractor George J. Goodheart Jr. in 1964, who was interested in more than just muscle strength. He saw that muscles could be a communication gateway to the nervous system. During an AK muscle test, a practitioner will apply force to a specific muscle or group of muscles and ask the patient to resist this force. The practitioner will then evaluate the tension in the muscle and the smoothness of the response, labelling the muscle as either weak or strong.
A weak muscle may be caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma to the muscle, an infection in the intestine, or estrogen dominance. AK practitioners believe that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, known as the "viscerosomatic relationship". Treatment modalities used by AK practitioners include joint manipulation, clinical nutrition, and dietary counselling, among others.
While some studies have found that AK can be useful in certain areas, such as diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders and sacroiliac dysfunction, it has been largely rejected by the medical community as a diagnostic tool for conditions in other systems of the body. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, for example, has stated that there is "no evidence of diagnostic validity" of AK. Despite this, AK continues to be used by a significant number of practitioners, including chiropractors, nutritionists, and naturopathic doctors.
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AK is a diagnostic tool that uses the body's nervous system
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a diagnostic tool that uses the body's nervous system. It is a form of biofeedback that helps uncover hidden health problems. AK is based on the principle that the nervous system sends chemical and electrical signals to the muscles and organs. If there is any interference with these signals, the muscles become weak, indicating a possible underlying health issue.
AK is a non-invasive system that uses muscle testing and other standard methods of diagnosis, such as patient history, physical exams, and lab work, to evaluate the structural, chemical, and mental aspects of a person's health and body function. It is important to note that AK is not a treatment procedure but a diagnostic system. A skilled AK practitioner will employ various treatment methods, such as chiropractic manipulation, cranial techniques, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy, based on the findings during the examination.
During a muscle test, a practitioner may ask the patient to lie on a table with their arm in the air. The practitioner will then apply force to various muscles, labelling them as weak or strong depending on their ability to resist this force. For example, during a test for a food intolerance, a practitioner may place a vial with a trace of the food on or near the patient's body and ask them to push against their hand with their raised arm. If there is no issue, the push will be strong, but if there is an intolerance, it will be startlingly weak.
While muscle testing does not specifically diagnose anything, it helps locate areas of the body that are struggling to function. Once that function is restored, the body can naturally heal itself. AK has been described as "not conforming to scientific fact" by critics and rejected by the medical community as a diagnostic tool for conditions outside the musculoskeletal system. However, it has been found to be effective in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders and providing insight into stubborn conditions when other methods have failed.
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AK is not a part of the science of kinesiology
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a diagnostic technique widely used within the Integrative Medical community. It involves testing muscles for strength and weakness to diagnose illness or choose treatments. It is based on the principle that the nervous system sends chemical and electrical signals to our organs and muscles, and any interference with these electrical messages will cause muscle weakness, indicating a possible underlying health issue.
However, it is important to note that AK is not a part of the science of kinesiology. Kinesiology, as an academic discipline, involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes areas of study such as exercise science, sports management, athletic training, sports medicine, and socio-cultural analyses of sports. While AK may be used as a diagnostic tool, it is considered a pseudoscientific technique in alternative medicine.
The basic idea behind AK is inspired by Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, which states that "for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction." AK applies this concept to the human body, suggesting that internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. For example, a weak bicep may be interpreted as a sign of an underlying problem with the spleen. However, this concept has been criticized as lacking scientific understanding and empirical support.
Several studies have been conducted to assess the validity of AK as a diagnostic tool, with conflicting results. Some studies have shown promise, particularly in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders, while others have found no evidence of its diagnostic validity. For instance, a 2001 study using AK as an allergy test for wasp venom showed that it was no more effective than random guessing. Additionally, the American Cancer Society has stated that "scientific evidence does not support the claim that applied kinesiology can diagnose or treat cancer or other illnesses."
While AK may provide insight into stubborn conditions, it is important to approach it with caution and consult other conventional diagnostic methods. The medical community has mostly rejected AK as a diagnostic tool for conditions beyond musculoskeletal disorders.
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AK was founded by chiropractor George J. Goodheart Jr. in 1964
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and psychological conditions by testing the strength of muscles. The basic idea behind AK is inspired by Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion, which states, “for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction." AK applies this concept to the human body, suggesting that any internal issues would be accompanied by related muscle weakness.
In applied kinesiology, a manual muscle test is conducted by having the patient use the target muscle or muscle group to resist while the practitioner applies a force. The response is evaluated subjectively, considering 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." However, it is important to note that AK is not a part of the science of kinesiology, which is the study of the movement of the human body.
While AK has its supporters, it has faced criticism and skepticism. Studies have questioned its effectiveness in diagnosing allergies, nutrient deficiencies, and other medical conditions. For example, a 2001 study using muscle tests for wasp venom allergies found that AK was no more helpful than random guessing. Additionally, the American Cancer Society has stated that "scientific evidence does not support the claim that applied kinesiology can diagnose or treat cancer or other illnesses." Despite these criticisms, some practitioners continue to use AK, and further studies are recommended to fully evaluate its effectiveness.
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AK is considered a pseudoscience by the medical community
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a technique in alternative medicine that claims to be able to diagnose illnesses or choose treatments by testing muscles for strength and weakness. The basic idea behind AK is similar to one of Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, which states, "for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction." AK applies this concept to the human body, suggesting that any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness.
Despite its promise as a technique for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders, the medical community has largely rejected the idea of AK as a diagnostic tool for conditions in other systems of the body. Critics have characterized it as pseudoscientific, noting that it lacks a basis in science and has not been proven effective for diagnosing or treating illnesses. For example, a 2001 study using muscle tests as an allergy test for wasp venom found that it was no more helpful in diagnosing allergies than random guessing.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has stated that there is "no evidence of diagnostic validity" of AK. Additionally, the American Cancer Society has said that "scientific evidence does not support the claim that applied kinesiology can diagnose or treat cancer or other illnesses."
The rejection of AK by the medical community is based on a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. This is a key distinction between science and pseudoscience, as pseudoscience is often characterized by a lack of progress or failure to address problems with its theories. Furthermore, pseudoscience is often criticized for its logical, methodological, or rhetorical bases, which may be non-scientific or impinge on scientific domains.
While proponents of AK may dispute its characterization as pseudoscience, the weight of scientific evidence and consensus suggests that it falls into this category.
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Frequently asked questions
Medication muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is a chiropractic technique that helps locate where the body isn't communicating properly.
During medication muscle 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 muscle's tension and smoothness of response.
Medication muscle testing is based on the principle that our nervous system sends chemical and electrical signals to our organs and muscles. If there is interference with these signals, the muscles become weakened, indicating a possible underlying health issue.
Medication muscle testing can help identify underlying health issues and provide clues about when the body is in a state of malfunction. It can also be used to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Medication muscle testing does not specifically diagnose any conditions. While it can help locate areas of the body that are struggling to function, it does not provide a specific diagnosis. The technique has also been criticised as "not conforming to scientific fact" and lacking in diagnostic validity.
