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 1995-1996
-- Edited by Scott Cuthbert, D.C.
A COMPARISON OF NUTRIENT
BLOOD TESTS WITH ORAL NUTRIENT MUSCLE TESTING
John K. Moore, D.C., C.C.N.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present a case series report on the differences between 2 nutritional blood
tests with oral nutrient manual muscle testing.
Clinical Features:
Two blood tests were run on a sampling of 6 patients. These two tests are
called the essential metabolic analysis (EMA) and the SPECTROX (antioxidant
function) test that evaluate nutritional influences on the function of
lymphocytes. The SPECTROX test was cross-checked with the Clorox sniff test in
AK, wherein a strong indicator muscle weakens upon sniffing Clorox.
Intervention and Outcome: In
both of these tests the blood draws were done within 24 hours of the nutrient
manual muscle test. All nutrients were taken from a box and tested without the
examiner or patient being aware of the nutrient tested. The EMA laboratory
reported a total of 11 nutritional deficiencies on the 6 patients. MMT revealed
24 nutrients that strengthened an inhibited muscle. The correlation of the 2
tests was poor. Of the potential 35 deficiencies reported (11 by the SPECTROX
laboratory and 24 by AK testing), only 3 of them were found by both tests to
correlate. Of the 6 patients tested with the SPECTROX test 2 were reported by
the laboratory to be deficient in antioxidant function. 3 of these patients
showed weakness on the Clorox sniff test, however these 2 tests only matched
once.
Conclusion: The
discrepancy in positive findings between these 2 tests shows that this form of
nutritional blood work will likely not be the proving ground for AK oral
nutrient testing. Possibly a larger sampling of patients or clearing other
factors in the patients’ symptom complex before testing may show a better
correlation. Further investigation by other AK physicians is encouraged.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
1995-1996;1:11-12)
Key Indexing Terms: Blood Chemical Analysis; Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition;
Nutritional Status; Diagnosis; Statistics, Nonparametric; Chiropractic;
Kinesiology, Applied
AUTOGENIC INHIBITION: A
LOOK AT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GOLGI TENDON ORGAN
Richard Belli, D.C.
Objective: A tool using AK MMT to demonstrate the interaction
between autogenic inhibition (AI) and facilitation (necessary for the negative
feedback required for smooth movement) is presented.
Clinical Features:
Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) are the receptor organs for the autogenic inhibition
reflex. AI is the result of firing of the GTO and resultant inhibition of the
involved muscle. One function of high velocity manipulation is fast stretch of
the GTO of the involved hypertonic muscle that depolarizes the GTO and induces
AI of the previously hypertonic muscles. A discussion of the neuroanatomy of
the GTO is provided. If AI does not function correctly, inappropriate responses
may be demonstrated with MMT.
Intervention and Outcome:
Due to the inherent design of the GTO mechanism, it can be manually challenged
and depolarized. The GTOs are pressure receptors that are depolarized by the
squeeze of the tendon fibers within them. To test GTOs, the doctor applies 2-3
pounds of pressure to the musculotendinous junction of a strong indicator
muscle, then immediately performs a MMT of the muscle. The muscle should
demonstrate inhibition for 1 contraction only. If the muscle does not show AI,
then correct spinal fixations of any segments that will TL using an intact
indicator muscle, then retest.
Conclusion: Because
AI is important for smooth movement, fine motor control, and protection of the
musculoskeletal system, the examination and treatment of AI may be an important
tool in the AK treatment protocol. Further studies on the value of this method
in patient care are warranted. (Collected Papers International College of
Applied Kinesiology, 1995-1996;1:15-18)
Key Indexing Terms:
Mechanoreceptors; Receptors, Sensory;
Diagnosis; Methods; Chiropractic;
Kinesiology, Applied
PYRAMIDAL DISTRIBUTION OF WEAKNESS
Michael D. Allen, D.C., N.M.D., D.A.A.P.M., D.A.B.C.N., D.I.B.A.K.,
Chiropractic Neurologist
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present the physiological effects of a pyramidal distribution of muscle
weakness and to show how to evaluate it with AK MMT methods.
Clinical Features:
The pyramidal tract has to do with fine voluntary motor function. The tract
travels caudally to the pyramids of the medulla oblongata where 80-90% of the
fibers decussate to the contralateral side and become known as the lateral
corticospinal tract. The other 10-20% of the fibers remain ipsilateral and
descend as the anterior corticospinal tract. They terminate by synapsing with
motoneurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. The neurological
importance of the pyramidal tract is described in detail.
Intervention and Outcome: Examples
of the diagnostic tests for a pyramidal distribution of muscle weakness include
MMT for weakness of the extensor and abductor muscles of the fingers, as well
as the dorsiflexors of the great toes. If these muscles are unable to resist
the MMT, it is probable that a pyramidal distribution of weakness on the same
side exists. Other tests for the pyramidal distribution of impairments include
physiologic blind spot evaluation, Rhomberg’s test, finger-to-nose testing, and
the evaluation of the patient’s ability to perform alternating movements in
rapid, smooth and rhythmic succession such as quickly flipping the hands back
and forth and piano-type movements. The chiropractic manipulative methods to
help restore pyramidal function are reviewed, and exercises that assist in this
process are given.
Conclusion: The
pyramidal distribution of weakness can be responsible for many common symptoms
ranging from mild autonomic dysfunction to bizarre cases of structural compromise
that respond slowly to treatment. Successful treatment will result in a
strengthening of the finger extensors and abductors and the dorsiflexors of the
great toe, an improvement in the physiologic blind spot balance, an improvement
in cerebellar testing and function, as well as the elimination of the autonomic
concomitants and pain.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
1995-1996;1:33-45)
Key Indexing Terms: Pyramidal Tracts; Muscle Weakness; Diagnosis; Methods; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
LOWER BACK PAIN IN
PREGNANCY: CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT AND RESULTS OF 50 CASES
Victoria C. Arcadi, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present a case series report on the successful treatment of 50 pregnant women
with severe low back pain.
Clinical Features:
In these 50 patients sitting was difficult as well as sleeping; sciatic
neuralgia was present in some; and the back pain was unilateral or bilateral.
Intervention and Outcome:
Pain on palpation to the gluteus medius and piriformis muscles and sacroiliac
ligaments was present either unilaterally or bilaterally in all cases. MMT
showed inhibition in 1 or more of the following muscles: hamstrings,
piriformis, and gluteus maximus muscles, unilaterally or bilaterally. In all 50
cases there was inhibition of the gluteus medius muscle either unilaterally or
bilaterally. The inhibited muscles were strengthened using AK neurolymphatic
reflex procedures and muscle spindle or Golgi tendon organ or fascial
techniques. The sacrum in all cases was adjusted in the side posture or prone
positions. In all cases the sacrum was found in the following positions: left
inferior and posterior sacral segment 4, adjusted in an anterior superior
vector; and right posterior sacral segment 2, adjusted straight posterior. When
multiple muscle weaknesses or bilateral gluteus medius muscle weakness were
found, a vitamin E supplement was given. In all cases treated the back pain was
totally eliminated. In all cases, after the first adjustment of the sacrum, the
patients had an improvement of at least 75% to 100% relief from pain. If close
to term, the women would then be seen once per week until delivery.
Conclusion:
Pregnant women all over the world suffer the real discomforts of low back pain
during pregnancy. The medical approach to these problems involves medication or
benign neglect, and radiographs, drugs and surgery are poor options.
Chiropractic diagnosis and treatment has proven to be a cost effective,
low-risk, and successful treatment method for pregnant women with low back
pain. In the public interest long term controlled studies should be performed
in hospital and obstetrical settings to properly gauge the benefits of this
type of therapy for this population of patients.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
1995-1996;1:55-57)
Key Indexing Terms: Pregnancy;
Low Back Pain; Maternal Health Services; Maternal Welfare; Case Reports [Publication Type]; Muscle Weakness; Diagnosis; Methods; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
LOOKING FOR THE TRIGGER
Michael Lebowitz, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present 2 case reports of patients whose biochemical and environmental triggers
were the reason for the persistence and recurrence of their symptoms.
Clinical Features:
2 patients with neck pain and headache have food sensitivities that produce
their ongoing symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment methods for these triggers are
presented.
Intervention and Outcome:
A 30-year-old female had recurrent neck pain and subluxations that dozens of
trips to a chiropractor did not correct. After her 3rd visit with
the author, food sensitivity testing was performed and garlic was found to
weaken the upper trapezius muscle when it was in her mouth. The patient’s neck
problem was improved for a week, when she mistakenly ate a dish with garlic as
an ingredient. The patient was corrected again using normal AK protocols while
the garlic was in her mouth, and she had long lasting improvement in her neck
pain. A 40-year-old male had recurrent headaches, sensitivity to odors, as well
as dermatitis. Treatment of his dysbiosis helped him with his chronic fatigue
and “brain fog,” but not the headaches and dermatitis. On every visit the
adrenal and/or liver neurolymphatic reflexes test positive. Nutritional
treatments did not prevent recurrence. Food sensitivity testing was employed
and found that dairy, onion, cauliflower, pepper, a multivitamin, B vitamins,
essential fatty acids, wheat, corn, and buckwheat brought back the positive
findings. One by one the patient was instructed to taste the foods while
treatment to the set points for the appropriate organs was employed. He was
told to avoid the triggers for 3 days and then on reintroduction of the
particular food, the patient treated the set points on himself. Since then he
showed a dramatic lessening of symptoms. Nutritional support for his condition
was now successful.
Conclusion:
Recurrent physical findings and problems in these patients were found and
corrected with the procedures outlined in this paper. Clinical trials with
larger patient cohorts are needed. (Collected
Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1995-1996;1:59-60)
Key Indexing Terms: Food Hypersensitivity; Dermatitis, Atopic; Headache;
Neck Pain; Case Reports
[Publication Type]; Muscle Weakness;
Diagnosis; Methods; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
SHEARING VS. COMPACTION TYPE INJURIES
David W. Leaf, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
present 3 separate case series reports demonstrating the differences between
shearing and compaction type injuries in joints.
Clinical Features: Traumatic injuries to joints tend to be of 2 types.
The first is a shearing injury and is the most common. They occur when the
joints and related structures are strained and twisted causing injury to muscles,
ligaments, skin and the proprioceptors in the joints. Examples of this are a
strained ankle, a whiplash injury to the cervical spine or the person who bends
over to pick up an object and feels a snapping in their back. The compaction
type of injury involves the person who breaks his fall with the arm, holds the
steering wheel with straight arms at impact, or jumps down and lands with
locked knees. In these cases there is little tearing of tissues and swelling,
if present, is limited to the joint capsule. 50 patients with pain over the
lateral epicondyle associated with weakness of the pronator teres muscle, and
25 patients with pain over the peroneus tertius tendon from eversions sprains
were tested for a decrease in pain following chewing of a nutritional support
for the adrenal glands.
Intervention and Outcome: In both groups 90% of the patients had more than a
60% reduction in palpable pain. To insure palpation findings the Metrecom
instrument was used to measure the palpation pressure employed. In another
review of 100 cases of shearing type injuries, 68% needed to be treated for
proprioceptive imbalances in the skin. In cases with the shearing type injury,
3 findings were consistently found: a weak muscle, a synergistic muscle that
exhibits tenderness to palpation and the need for strain counterstrain
treatment and an antagonist to the weak muscle that needs the Travell fascial
flush treatment. In cases with the compaction type injury, the findings are
marked weakness of most of the muscles surrounding the joint, with 1 or 2
muscles that will test strong but will weaken with repeated muscle activation
testing. Treatment is then directed to the origin and insertion of this muscle,
and a traction manipulation is given in the direction opposite to the original
compaction injury.
Conclusion: A
clinical algorithm is given for the treatment of compaction and shearing types
of injury that are commonly seen in clinical practice. The use of this
procedure in the case series reports presented here showed good success and
larger clinical trials of these methods are warranted. (Collected Papers International College of
Applied Kinesiology, 1995-1996;1:73-76)
Key Indexing Terms:
Joints; Sprains and Strains; Soft Tissue
Injuries; Case Reports
[Publication Type]; Muscle
Weakness; Diagnosis; Methods;
Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
QUALITY MUSCLE TESTING
Wolfgang Gerz, M.D., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To
review the content validity of MMT and to critique the differences currently
existing in the AK literature about MMT.
Clinical Features:
The single most important diagnostic factor in AK, and the key to whether or
not the patient’s muscle system is examined in a sensible way, is a good muscle
test. However a number of different professional groups in the field of MMT
(chiropractors, applied kinesiologists, physical therapists, Touch For Health
therapists, and a number of technique systems within chiropractic that are
distinguishable from AK but who use MMT and AK as one of their bases) describe
their manual muscle testing methods in different ways. The importance of
clarifying and standardizing this method of testing is discussed.
Intervention and Outcome: The
methods of testing from the literature (Kendall & Kendall, Goodheart,
Walther, Schmitt, and others in AK) are presented. When a muscle is tested in
voluntary isometric contraction, EMG testing reveals that additional muscle
fibers contract at low forces; when the force increases, the rate of firing
becomes the predominant mechanism to increase strength. Tension, velocity, and
electrical activity are interdependent and indicate the importance of proper
neurologic control for the muscle to meet the changing pressure demands of the
MMT. This requires effective function of the gamma system adjusting the
neuromuscular spindle cell, and proper interpretation of its afferent supply by
the central nervous system. Thus it is the patient or more precisely the
patient’s neuromuscular adaptive capacity that is being examined during a
proper MMT.
Conclusion: The
skills of the examiner conducting tests and interpreting the derived
information will affect the usefulness of muscle performance data. The examiner is obliged to follow a
standardized protocol that specifies patient position, verbal instructions or demonstration
to the patient, alignment of the muscle and direction of examiner resistance to
insure precise, repeatable, and reliable MMT results. (Collected Papers
International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1995-1996;1:77-83)
Key Indexing Terms:
Reference Standards; Terminology; Diagnostic
Techniques and Procedures; Diagnostic Errors; Practice Guidelines; Muscle
Weakness; Kinesiology, Applied
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