ICAK-USA Research
The Following is a Compilation of Applied Kinesiology Research
Papers Published in the Collected Papers
of the International College of
Applied Kinesiology for the year 1994-1995
-- Edited by Scott Cuthbert, D.C.
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY MANAGEMENT OF REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS
Cecelia A. Duffy, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present the case of a male with “heartburn” and “food regurgitation”
successfully managed with AK techniques.
Clinical Features:
A 41-year-old patient had heartburn that for 10 years produced a burning behind
the sternum shortly after eating. Milk and antacid tablets would help with this
problem. 3 years previously he began to regurgitate food into the mouth at
least one meal a day. He experienced heartburn even without the regurgitation.
Dietary excesses included consumption on a daily basis of whole milk, refined
carbohydrates/sugars, 2-3 cans of soda, and 4-8 cups of coffee with cream. He
had never sought help for this problem prior to his presentation.
Intervention and Outcome:
Physical and AK examination showed positive TL to the diaphragm with
inspiration and general indicator muscle weakening with lead placed over CV24
and GV 27, a common AK finding with diaphragm muscle dysfunction. There was
also diminished right thoracic cage expansion on inspiration. A reactive muscle
pattern was found between the right psoas muscle and the diaphragm, with a
fixation of the thoracolumbar junction and the left C7 and first rib, and a
subluxation at T4. These findings were treated with chiropractic manipulative
therapy, and the patient was placed on Gastrex, one capsule 15 minutes prior to
each meal. He was instructed to lose weight with diet modification. One month
after initial treatment the patient reported only 2 episodes of heartburn and
3-5 episodes of regurgitation. 1 month later he had 3 episodes of regurgitation,
and then reported no heartburn or regurgitation for 8 months. The following
6-month period he reported 6 episodes of regurgitation, and he noted that all
followed overindulgence in fatty or refined foods.
Conclusion:
Successful management of a severe case of reflux esophagitis is presented. AK
therapy directed towards the diaphragm, prescription of Gastrex, and partial
compliance in diet modification provided significant relief. (Collected Papers
International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1994-1995;1:3-5)
Key Indexing Terms: Heartburn; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Diagnosis;
Methods; Chiropractic;
Kinesiology, Applied
Case history: Applied Kinesiology management of
pediatric seizure disorder and strabismus
John M. Heidrich, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present the case of a female with complex partial seizure disorder and
exotropic strabismus that responds rapidly to AK techniques.
Clinical Features:
A 6-year-old female initially presented with a 3-month history of intermittent
nausea, stomach pain, anorexia, and left frontal headache. 10 months later the
patient presented with a diagnosis of complex seizure disorder after consulting
a neurologist. In addition to her original findings she also suffered left
earache, visual auras, and auditory hallucinations that made her frequently ask
family members if they could hear sounds like “windshield wipers” and
“buzzing”. MRI examination was negative. A tentative diagnosis of migraine
cephalgia was then given. Ophthalmologic exam showed a large exophoria during
left gaze measuring 18 diopters, making it difficult for the child to read. An
EEG found abnormal sharp waves in the left brain suggesting seizure disorder.
Felbatol, an anti-epileptic, was suggested but not used. The patient now experienced
increasingly severe daily episodes of vertigo, nausea and vomiting, headache,
vivid hallucinations, lethargy, depression, and frustration.
Intervention and Outcome: Chiropractic
manipulation to the C1 vertebra, and treatment of NL and NV reflexes for the
upper trapezius and correction of an open ileocecal valve were given. One week
later, episodes had decreased 50% and she went a full day without a seizure.
Later treatment included cranial and spinal manipulation, food allergy testing
and treatment. Resolution of the episodes occurred within 1 month with no
recidivism. The ophthalmologist on re-examination reported a return of
convergence on testing. The patient’s mood, as reported by the child and her
mother, was now excellent.
Conclusion: Because
of the hepatotoxicity of anti-epileptic medication and the growing emphasis on
cost-effectiveness, this case offers reason for a larger controlled clinical
trial of AK techniques in cases of suspected epilepsy complaints. (Collected
Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1994-1995;1:7-10)
Key Indexing Terms: Epilepsy; Seizures; Exotropia; Therapeutics;
Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
Case history: Dupuytren’s contracture and cervical
disc
John M Heidrich, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present
a case of dupuytren’s contracture that responds to AK management of a lower
cervical disc derangement.
Clinical Features:
A 46-year-old male presents with bilateral palmar contractures of 10 years
duration, with pain in the flexor tendons at the 4th and 5th
proximal phalangeal joints bilaterally, with flexion deformity of 25 degrees
right and 30 degrees left. Shaking hands was difficult for him as a minister,
the flexor tendons were tender to touch, and he could not bring his 4th
and 5th digits into extension without pain in the hand and forearm.
No past history of trauma to the head, neck or hands were present. Intermittent
neck pain and acute left hip pain were present.
Intervention and Outcome:
AK testing revealed bilateral weakness of the wrist extensors, with cervical
orthopedic testing negative. The C5 vertebra challenged for anteriority and a
lateral radiograph suggested a mild anterolisthesis at that level. This level
was adjusted for anteriority en masse, and there was immediate return of bilateral
muscle strength in the wrist extensors. 2 subsequent visits showed recidivism
of this finding and were corrected, with treatment also to an open ileocecal
valve. A correction was also made of an anterior L1, category II posterior
ischium, and dietary recommendations to eliminate popcorn, with nutritional
support (including superoxide dismutase, a nutrient found helpful in AK for
cervical disc derangements). 1 month after the 3rd treatment the
patient noted intense itching in the flexor nodules of the hands, and he noted
marked improvement in pain and hand range of motion with the ability to fully
place his palm on a flat surface without contracture pain or restriction. This
has remained for 18 months, with no change in the palmar thickening.
Conclusion: This
treatment program resulted in apparent resolution of a chronic Dupuytren’s
contracture. It is suggested that further research with larger patient cohorts
investigate whether this multimodal chiropractic method might alleviate the
impairments associated with this condition. (Collected Papers International
College of Applied Kinesiology, 1994-1995;1:11-13)
Key Indexing Terms: Dupuytren’s Contracture; Diagnosis; Therapeutics;
Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
USE OF POLYUNSATURATED OILS AS A
SCREEN FOR HYPOTHYROID CONDITIONS
Kathleen M. Power, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present a case series report on the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
for cases with suspected hypothyroidism.
Clinical Features: A
47-year-old male with resistant high cholesterol and triglycerides and a family
history of heart problems presents for treatment for back and extremity
problems. During the course of treatment, the patient was tested for flax oil,
which weakened his teres minor muscle dramatically. In AK, the teres minor
muscle is associated with the thyroid gland. A second 47-year-old male with
anxiety, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and other systemic complaints also
weakened with flax oil. A third 49-year-old woman with a family history of
hypothyroidism, a consistently low body temperature, high blood fats and severe
depression also weakened on flax oil and flax seed meal.
Intervention and Outcomes: The
first 47-year-old had his teres minor weakness neutralized by insalivation of
iodine, with his energy and sleeping improved. The second 47-year-old showed
only substances that supported the liver neutralized his weakness. He is
sleeping better. The 49-year-old woman had her weakness neutralized by a
tyrosine product. Her depression was said to be improving.
Conclusion: This
case series report suggests that patients with hypothyroid symptoms respond
well to PUFAs. In pure iodine deficiencies, PUFAs may be needed to help carry
the iodine to the tissues. When PUFAs weaken the teres minor muscle, that weakness
was used to determine which other factors are needed by the patient (which
strengthen the teres minor weakness). Larger clinical trials are necessary.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
1994-1995;1:31-35)
Key Indexing Terms: Hypothyroidism; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Diagnosis; Therapeutics; Chiropractic; Kinesiology,
Applied
ZINC, SODIUM, MANGANESE AND ADRENAL “BURN-OUT”
Kathleen M. Power, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present 2 case reports and to discuss the methods in AK of mineral and
specifically zinc analysis.
Clinical Features:
The zinc taste test or tally is a recognized method of zinc analysis for
patients. 2 patients are presented (one with diabetes, the other with chronic
foot pain). The diabetic’s sartorius muscle weakened with insalivation of the
zinc tally (a saturated zinc solution). The foot pain patient’s posterior
tibialis muscle weakened also with insalivation of the zinc tally. Both
patients had been taking supplemental zinc.
Intervention and Outcome:
Both patients’ muscles strengthened with insalivation of manganese-B12 and
manganese respectively. Since adding manganese to her treatment, the diabetic
is rapidly recovering from a difficult problem with her shoulder joints. The
patient with chronic foot pain is also recovering. In AK, the sartorius and the
posterior tibialis muscles are associated with the adrenal gland
(muscle-organ-gland relationship). The hypothesis is presented that patients
whose adrenal glands are exhausted, or who have depleted sodium for any reason,
may not tolerate supplemental zinc. The hypothesis that supplementing with
manganese has the effect of raising sodium levels and helps in adrenal stress
recovery is discussed.
Conclusion: Mineral
balancing in the body can be complicated. It is important to recognize that
raising one mineral may lower others; stimulating one organ may depress others;
and what is measured as deficient in the body may be so out of physiological
needs. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
1994-1995;1:37-41)
Key Indexing Terms:
Zinc; Manganese; Trace Elements; Biochemical
Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition; Nutritional Status; Diagnosis;
Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
ZINC TASTE TEST AND A.K. ORAL NUTRIENT TESTING
Kathleen M. Conable, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present a sequential sample of 76 patients in a chiropractic office who were
given the zinc taste test (ZTT) or zinc tally, and to compare these findings to
changes in MMT outcomes after oral-nutrient testing of zinc.
Clinical Features:
A review of the literature regarding the ZTT is provided. A review of the
findings regarding the ZTT in the Collected Papers of the ICAK is offered.
Intervention and Outcome: In
the cohort, the two muscles tested were the pectoralis sternal and the rectus
femoris. All patients were assessed for their ZTT response at 10, and again at
30 seconds. 31 of the 76 subjects had at least one muscle graded weak. Of
these, 22 had at least one muscle that became strong on tasting the zinc
supplement. Of the 73 patients who were classified as “zinc deficient” on the
ZTT (Grades 1 and 2) at 10 seconds, there were 51 who did not respond to oral
zinc and 22 who did respond. Of the zinc sufficient group (Grades 3 and 4) at
10 seconds, there were 2 whose muscles did not respond to oral zinc and one who
did. At 30 seconds assessment, the difference between groups was closer but did
not reach statistical significance. In this study, of the 23 subjects with
change in MMT on respiration, 18 responded to zinc. The correlation of
respiratory challenge to the craniosacral system and the possible need for zinc
has been reported in AK for over 20 years.
Conclusion: This
study did not show a positive correlation between ZTT and MMT response to tasting
zinc. However, in AK clinical practice the ICAK USA has established guidelines
stating that oral-nutrient test findings should always be correlated with
clinical history, other examination findings, and laboratory tests. (Collected
Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1994-1995;1:63-75)
Key Indexing Terms: Zinc; Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and
Nutrition; Nutritional Status; Diagnosis; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
THE EFFICACY OF APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
PROTOCOLS IN CORRECTING PERIPHERAL NERVE ENTRAPMENT ASSOCIATED WITH CARPAL
TUNNEL SYNDROME: AN INTER-EXAMINER STUDY
James D.W. Hogg, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The
purpose of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of AK for
relieving the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by compiling
clinical records from two doctors who used AK methods in the treatment of 65
patients with CTS.
Clinical Features:
Patients selected for the study exhibited one of the following signs or
symptoms: measurable loss of grip strength, pain in the wrist and median nerve
sensory area of the hand, numbness and/or tingling in the median nerve sensory
area, dermatitis with a “glove” distribution, atrophy of the thenar eminence,
or sleep disturbance caused by hand pain. All subjects selected demonstrated
weakness of the opponens policis muscle on MMT.
Intervention and Outcome:
Therapy for all patients involved manipulation of involved osseous components
as indicated by AK challenge methods, spindle cell or Golgi tendon organ technique
for pronator quadratus involvement, and spinal manipulation to indicated
cervical and thoracic vertebrae. If a distal radius/ulna separation was
present, a non-elastic brace was used after manipulation to prevent
re-separation. Treatment to the shoulder and nutritional support (usually
vitamin B6) were given if indicated. Both doctors showed an average of
approximately 6.7 visits to eliminate CTS symptoms, with an average cost of
approximately $165.00. The overall success rate (patients who remained symptom
free for at least 6 months) was 84%.
Conclusion: This
informal inter-examiner efficacy study suggests that AK protocols were
effective in reducing nerve entrapment in CTS. A consistent finding of this
report was that multiple levels of nerve entrapment producing the CTS symptom
were common. Considering the effectiveness and low cost of this form of
therapy, the AK approach to CTS might be offered as an alternative to standard
medical approaches. (Collected Papers International College of Applied
Kinesiology, 1994-1995;1:169-173)
Key Indexing Terms: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Nerve Compression Syndromes;
Median Neuropathy; Treatment Outcome; Diagnosis; Therapeutics; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
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