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 1996-1997
-- Edited by
Scott Cuthbert, D.C.
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY MANAGEMENT OF ATTENTION DEFICIT
DISORDER AND HYPOTONIA
Harry Lefkowitz, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present the case history of an
adolescent male with attention deficit disorder and hypotonia successfully
treated using AK methods.
Clinical Features: A 15-year-old male had been on 20 milligrams of Ritalin
for 2 years. The boy had been exhibiting symptoms of ADD since he was 8 years
old. Hypotonia, a diagnosis that can accompany ADD, is characterized by a loss
of upper body muscle tone and poor coordination. The boy would act out in class
and not pay attention. His homework would take an excessively long time. At age
13, after many attempts to help the boy succeed in school, his problem was
exacerbated: he no longer wanted to attend school. The parents followed the
school counselors’ advise and gave him 20 mg of Ritalin. The parents stated
that the boy had not made much progress in the 2 years he had been on Ritalin.
Adverse reactions were exhibited such as difficulty sleeping at night and
anxiety, with the boy being more withdrawn than previously. He had been
experiencing coccygeal pain for 1 year.
Intervention and Outcome: During the examination the
boy said nothing and his eyes were downcast. Neurological disorganization was
found in the standing position, i.e. bringing the right leg forward weakened
the contralateral arm flexors. Positive K27 testing was present in the standing
position. Positive ocular lock testing was corrected by ocular muscle
stretching from the Neural Organization Technique. Food testing showed positive
findings with citrus, dairy, corn syrup and white flour. Nutrient testing was
employed to discover what would negate the positive food tests. Cranial
corrections, intestinal reflexes, and homeopathic neurotransmitter tests were
performed, and nutritional support for these deficiencies given. 3 months after
the initial intervention there was noticeable improvement in the speed with
which homework was completed. The patient was able to stop using Ritalin with
subsequent disappearance of the adverse reactions of sleeplessness and anxiety.
The patient made good improvement in his behavior and academic performance
following the above recommendations.
Conclusion: In view of the potentially addictive
nature of Ritalin and its side effects, less aggressive forms of treatment for
ADD would be invaluable. Larger clinical trials of this method of diagnosis and
treatment would be welcome to determine if this single case history is
applicable to other children with this disorder. (Collected Papers
International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:7-9)
Key Indexing Terms: Attention Deficit Disorder
with Hyperactivity; Methylphenidate; adverse effects; Case Reports [Publication
Type]; Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
COMMON STRUCTURAL FAULTS IN COMPETITIVE SWIMMERS
John K. Moore, D.C., C.C.N., C.C.S.P.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To report the findings of AK testing on a
sample group of swimmers competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Clinical Features: AK testing was done on 15 swimmers
competing in the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials. 5 different musculoskeletal areas
were randomly chosen for evaluation. Each of these tests was performed on each
swimmer during the week long swimming event. Results were converted into
percentages for presentation.
Intervention and Outcome: Incidences of structural
faults among these elite athletes follow. Cervical subluxation: 93%. Latissimus
Dorsi muscle weakness: 47%. Positive coccyx challenge: 40%. Supraspinatus
muscle weakness: 27%. Temporal bulge cranial fault present: 13%.
Conclusion: It is evident that in this small sampling
of elite athletes many hidden structural problems exist. One can wonder how
many athletic injuries are due to an accumulation of these asymptomatic
structural faults that over time allow overt injuries to occur. This study may
show the importance for doctors who work with athletes and teams to check as
many of the athletes they see as possible and not just those suffering with
symptomatic injuries. (Collected Papers International College of Applied
Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:11)
Key Indexing Terms: Sports Medicine; Athletic
Injuries; Epidemiology; Diagnosis; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
THORACOLUMBAR FIXATIONS DURING PREGNANCY CONTRIBUTING TO
LOWER BACK PAIN – A CHIROPRACTIC STUDY OF 25 CASES
Victoria C. Arcadi, B.A., D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present a case series report on 25
women with gestation between 25 to 40 weeks who were successfully treated for
thoracolumbar fixations and pain as their primary complaint, and lower back
pain as a secondary complaint.
Clinical Features: Thoracolumbar pain is a common
discomfort during pregnancy especially during the second and third trimesters.
A review of the anatomical literature relating to the thoracolumbar spine
(muscular, spinal, and fascial connections) is provided.
Intervention and Outcome: All 25 women were evaluated
for thoracolumbar pain that was severe. Most of the women could not sleep, and
their pain was constant. Concomitant with the thoracolumbar pain was lower back
pain that was present in all cases as a secondary symptom. AK examination in
these cases showed bilateral weakness of the lower trapezius (indicative of
thoracolumbar fixation in AK methodology). Treatment consisted of chiropractic
adjustments to the T12-L1 area of fixation, using Diversified technique to free
the fixation. All other muscle weaknesses were treated using neurolymphatic
reflex stimulation. The 25 women in this study were treated 1 or 2 times per
week for 2 weeks and then once a week for the following 3 weeks. All pain
associated with the thoracolumbar spine had been eliminated and lower back pain
was between 75-80% relieved in each case in the study. In all cases the
thoracolumbar pain was 90-100% relieved after the first correction of the
fixation.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a relationship
between the thoracolumbar area and the lower back. With chiropractic treatment
and adjustments, the thoracolumbar pain as well as the lower back pain was
relieved. Chiropractic care has been shown a safe and effective treatment choice
for pregnant women. The treatment regime offered here for women who suffer from
musculoskeletal pains during pregnancy is conservative and cost effective.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
1996-1997;1:21-23)
Key Indexing Terms: Pregnancy; Back Pain;
Treatment; Case Reports [Publication Type]; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
SURROGATE TESTING: ITS HISTORY, CONTROVERSY AND
RECOMMENDED USES
Hans W. Boenke, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To review the current literature on
surrogate testing and draw conclusions on its utility for practitioners of AK.
Clinical Features: Dr. George Goodheart introduced
surrogate testing into AK in 1974. He indicated that the use of therapy
localization could be done with infants and small children using their mothers
as well as with older individuals, such as those comatose or following a
stroke, using another individual of the same sex. Surrogate testing is a
procedure that utilizes MMT to help in the diagnosis of some disorder in a
patient. The difference in this testing method is that the patient being
examined is passive with regard to the actual test but is in physical contact
with a second person, the surrogate. The surrogate or the patient touches the
problem area and a previously intact indicator muscle in the surrogate is
tested for a change in function. A review of the AK literature is given
relating to surrogate testing. The reliability, the confidence level in the
procedure, and the controversy of this procedure are described.
Intervention and Outcome: The following
recommendations on the use of surrogate testing are made, partly based on
conversations in 1996 with Dr. Goodheart. 1) Surrogate testing is an overused
procedure. 2) Dr. Goodheart has found occasion to use it once in 3 years. 3) It
should only be used on individuals that cannot be tested in any other way, such
as comatose individuals or infants. 4) It should be done only after obtaining
informed consent in writing after explaining it to the patient. (An informed
consent form for surrogate testing is offered). 5) It is an experimental
procedure.
Conclusion: The use of surrogate testing in general
clinical practice is discouraged with the exceptions of specific patient
populations. It is recommended that doctors follow the guidelines given by the
Board of Standards of the I.C.A.K. so that any doctor involved in litigation,
practicing responsibly, would have the support of the I.C.A.K. for the use
established AK procedures. (Collected Papers International College of Applied
Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:27-34)
Key Indexing Terms: Investigative Techniques;
Muscle Weakness; Diagnosis; Kinesiology, Applied
CASE HISTORY: CORRECTION OF INGUINAL HERNIA BY APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
MANAGEMENT
Stephen J. Kaufman, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: 2 cases of inguinal hernia successfully
corrected by standard methods of AK are described.
Clinical Features: A 9-month-old male and a
45-year-old male presented with right inguinal hernias. The child’s
pediatrician and 2 pediatric surgeons confirmed the child’s hernia. His
testicles and surrounding area were bluish. There was a slight bulge over
Poupart’s ligament. The 45-year-old male had his hernia for 1 year. The patient
was 50 lbs. overweight.
Intervention and Outcome: Because of the child’s age,
it was not possible to muscle test him directly. Postural assessment and
clinical signs were assumed to be presumptive evidence of muscle imbalance, and
treatment was directed to the origin-insertion, Golgi tendon organs, spindle
cells, and neurolymphatic reflexes for the right psoas, adductor, sartorius,
gracilis, abdominal, and rectus femoris muscles. Category II correction and
treatment to the inguinal and ileofemoral neurovascular reflexes (Bennett’s
reflexes) were made. Vitamin E (Cataplex E) was given. Within several days,
after being treated every other day, the patient’s genitalia returned to normal
color and the inguinal bulge returned to normal. A total of 8 treatments were
given. The 45 year old had treatment to the sartorius, adductor, psoas,
quadriceps, piriformis, gluteus medius, abdominal, tensor fascia lata, gluteus
maximus and hamstring muscles by the usual AK approaches. Correction of an
ileocecal valve syndrome, category II pelvic lesion, upper cervical fixation,
and lateral occiput were also made. Cataplex E, E(2), F, and Calcium Lactate
were given nutritionally. This patient had complete symptomatic relief of all
signs of a hernia within 6 visits. This was obtained with no loss of weight.
Conclusion: These 2 cases show the successful
management of inguinal hernias in a short period of time. Both of these cases
were considering surgery at the time of chiropractic treatment. This approach
to treatment for this problem is more cost effective than surgery, so larger
clinical trials are warranted. (Collected Papers International College of
Applied Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:57-58)
Key Indexing Terms: Hernia, Inguinal; Muscle
Weakness; Treatment; Case Reports [Publication Type]; Chiropractic;
Kinesiology, Applied
INFERTILITY: SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT BY APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
AFTER FAILURE OF MEDICAL TREATMENT
Stephen J. Kaufman, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present a case series report on
patients with primary infertility that were treated with AK methods that
resulted in full term pregnancies.
Clinical Features: Infertility
is distinct from sterility, implying potential, and therefore raises questions
as to what insult or interference influences this sluggish outcome. 4 case
histories are presented. All 4 subjects are female, ages 30-35.
Intervention and Outcome: AK chiropractic care and
outcome are discussed for each patient. AK
care is described over a period of 1 to 3 months; at the end of that time frame
each of the 4 women had become pregnant.
Conclusion: The
application of AK chiropractic care and subsequent successful outcomes on
reproductive integrity, regardless of factors including age, history and
medical intervention, are described. Future studies that may evaluate more
formally and on a larger scale, the effectiveness, safety and cost benefits of
AK chiropractic care on both well-being and physiological function are
suggested. (Collected Papers International College of Applied
Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:59-60)
Key Indexing Terms: Infertility; Case Reports
[Publication Type]; Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
XENOESTROGENS: WHAT THEY ARE, WHAT THEY MAY DO, WHAT CAN
BE DONE
James C. Kreger, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present a case series report on the
treatment and outcomes of patients with suspected estrogen excess.
Clinical Features: Xenoestrogens are chemicals that
have seemingly unrelated structures but have in common the ability to exert an
estrogen-like influence on human tissues. Chemicals such as phthalates (a
component of plastics), pesticides such as DDT, PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyls), APEs (surfactants from detergents), dioxins, BHA and other
preservatives can link up with estrogen receptors on cells. A review of the
biomedical literature regarding the effects of estrogen excess is provided.
Intervention and Outcome: MMT was used under the
following premise. If tissue cell receptors are already fully loaded or
abnormally stimulated by estrogen or xenoestrogens, then the addition of more
estrogen into the body may produce muscular dysfunction and inhibition on MMT.
A Premarin tablet was used in testing. 2 females (38 and 55 years of age) and 1
male (53 years of age) were found to have muscle weakness following exposure to
the Premarin. To counteract this weakening, various supplements for estrogen
elimination were tested to negate the weakness produced. The one that had the
most consistent estrogen neutralizing muscle test response was the herb Dong
Quai. The severe and varied symptoms in these patients improved rapidly after
the use of Dong Quai.
Conclusion: A method that may detect an excess of
estrogens and xenoestrogens is described. AK MMT provided a noninvasive testing
procedure that gave positive clinical results. Further clinical trials on a
selected population of patients with excess estrogen are warranted. (Collected
Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:67-70)
Key Indexing Terms: Estrogens; Receptors,
Estrogen; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Estrogen Antagonists; Drugs,
Chinese Herbal; dong quai; Case Reports [Publication Type]; Treatment;
Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
A NEUROLOGICAL MODEL FOR THE THREE TYPES OF MUSCLE TESTING
Walter H. Schmitt, Jr., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., D.A.B.C.N.
ABSTRACT
Objective: A neurological model for 3 variations of
manual muscle testing is proposed.
Clinical Features: 3 types of muscle testing are
reviewed, called G1, G2, and G2 submax. These three differences in testing
refer to “patient-initiated” or “doctor-initiated” muscle tests. G1 testing is
done by the doctor asking the patient to resist as he increases his testing
pressure to take the patient’s muscle into eccentric contraction; this is
doctor-induced muscle testing. The neurology involved in and the hypothesized
meaning of MMT outcomes of these different types of muscle tests are reviewed.
Intervention and Outcome: The G1 test is the type of
muscle testing most commonly used, and most AK therapies have been designed to
correct this type of weakness. The G2 test indicates suprasegmental problems.
These include chemical imbalances and nutritional needs that affect the
hypothalamus and autonomic system, as well as stomatognathic system problems.
The G2 submax. test relates to withdrawal reflexes following an injury, allergy
and hypersensitivity type reactions, systemic functional endocrine imbalances,
and visual motor problems.
Conclusion: The application of a neurological model
for AK muscle testing procedures serves 3 purposes. First it forms the basis of
hypotheses for research into the mechanisms of the discipline. Secondly, it
provides a framework for the most appropriate application of the various
clinical techniques that comprise AK. Thirdly, it provides a basis for further
development of new and improved techniques for improved patient care. (Collected
Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1996-1997;1:79-81)
Key Indexing Terms: Muscles; Diagnostic
Techniques, Neurological; Evaluation Studies; Kinesiology, Applied
