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 2000-2001
-- Edited by
Scott Cuthbert, D.C.
EVALUATION
OF TMJ IN ONE CASE STUDY WITH CONGENITALLY ABSENT RIGHT FOREARM
Janet Calhoon, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present the case of a young female with
temporomandibular joint disorder who also had a congenitally absent right
forearm, wrist, hand and fingers.
Clinical Features: A 13-year-old female presented who
was unable to open her mouth more than two finger widths. This problem had been
present for 1 week after she fell during physical education class and struck
the left side of her head against the floor. The patient’s right upper
extremity is normal in size and function from the shoulder to the elbow, but
her forearm ends 2 inches below the elbow with no carpals or metacarpals and
rudimentary digits, each about 1/8th inch in length.
Intervention and Outcome: AK examination revealed an
upper cervical fixation, a cervicothoracic fixation, and thoracolumbar
fixation. When the patient was asked to TL the right TMJ with her right hand,
she was able to do so only by changing the position of her head and neck that
would have added unwanted variables to the evaluation. With the doctor’s
guidance, the patient was able to TL the right TMJ without moving her neck and
head. Positive TL was demonstrated in this patient even with the congenitally
abnormal right forearm. Examination showed a need for neuromuscular spindle
technique to inhibit the right internal pterygoid muscle, and the inhibited
right sternocleidomastoid muscle responded to neurolymphatic reflex treatment,
Golgi tendon organ and neuromuscular spindle techniques. An intraosseous
universal cranial fault was corrected on the first visit also. At the end of
the first treatment, the young woman opened her mouth almost wide enough to
accommodate 3 knuckles. On follow up visits, she continued to make progress
with AK treatment.
Conclusion: Bilateral TL is a valuable tool in
evaluation of the TMJ. In this case, a rudimentary limb was used successfully
to identify malfunctioning muscles and joints.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied
Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:1-2)
Key Indexing Terms: Temporomandibular Joint
Disorders; Case Reports [Publication Type]; Kinesiology, Applied; Chiropractic
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY MANAGEMENT
OF ASTHMA: A CASE HISTORY
Cecilia A. Duffy, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: A case history of the management of asthma
in a child is presented.
Clinical Features: A 6-½ year old female presents
with symptoms of asthma. A medical pediatrician had previously diagnosed her
with asthma at 10 months of age, with continuous use of prescription
medications since that time (Proventil and Ventolin) for symptom control.
Asthmatic episodes were intermittent.
Intervention and Outcome: AK physical examination
revealed: axillary temperature 98.4 degrees; salivary pH 6.8; blood pressure
seated 80/60, standing 80/58, and supine 90/50; pulse seated 100, standing 100;
Lingual Ascorbic Acid Time was elevated at 15 seconds on the right and left
sides of the tongue; hematocrit 38; breath holding time diminished at 10
seconds; vital capacity diminished at 650 (normal for her age is 980); right
hand and foot dominance with left eye and ear dominance; Sulkawich testing for
calcium levels elevated at grade 4; Koenigsberg testing for chloride (indirect
sodium) elevated at 30 plus. Auscultation of the lungs revealed scattered rales
and wheezing throughout both lung fields. Based on the history and physical
findings (positive orthostatic hypotension, mild vitamin C deficiency, and
elevated urinary chloride level), adrenal dysfunction was presumed and examined
for via AK testing. The left sartorius muscle was inhibited on MMT, and
strengthened with oral nutrient testing of Drenamin (Standard Process
Laboratories). A category II pelvic subluxation, T9, T2 subluxations, and
fixation at the right C7-1st rib junction were corrected. Dietary
restrictions were given (no milk or refined grains and sugars, and she was to
consume only vegetable, fruit, non-processed proteins, high quality fats, and
non-processed whole grains). The patient complied with her supplementation
instructions and dietary restrictions, and was seen 5 times in 3 months. Her
mother discontinued both asthma medications after the first visit. During the 3
months of therapy, the patient experienced 1 episode of an asthmatic reaction
that was preceded by heavy consumption of refined grain and sugar earlier in
the day. At 7 and 10 months following initial presentation the patient returned
after experiencing 1 asthmatic reaction and several asthmatic reactions
respectively. Each time, the patient was seen twice in 2 weeks for AK treatment
and prescribed adrenal and immune system supports. On each occasion, after the
first visit, the asthmatic reactions stopped.
Conclusions: Successful AK management of asthma over
a 32-month period in a 6-½
year-old female is presented. Further investigation into the
effectiveness of AK management for asthmatics is warranted. The primary
approach of medical management of asthma is medication, and correcting the
underlying causes of asthma is preferable to drug-induced control of the
symptoms of this condition. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:3-4)
Key Indexing Terms: Asthma; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Case
Reports [Publication Type]; Therapy; Diagnosis; Adrenal Insufficiency;
Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
USING AK MUSCLE BALANCING TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE SPECIFIC
EXERCISE MOVEMENT PATTERNS (PILATES)
John K. Moore, D.C., C.C.N., C.C.S.P.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the impact of AK treatment
upon experienced Pilates class athletes.
Clinical Features: Joseph Pilates developed The
Pilates Method in the 1940s. It is a method of physical training that focuses
on posture, alignment, and breathing. Strengthening the abdomen, lower back and
hips (core strength) are its primary focus. A questionnaire was given to 5
participants in a Pilates class (each participant had at least 1 year of
experience with the technique) before and after AK evaluation and treatment of
muscular imbalances. Both the individual performing the Pilates exercises and
the instructor of the class (not the author) was polled as to any perceived
improvements.
Intervention and Outcome: The Pilates routine was
rated as improved in all cases by utilizing basic AK methods to correct
muscular and spinal imbalances.
Conclusion: From this pilot study evidence is offered
that athletic performance can be improved when AK treatment is employed.
Improved performance may also mean that pain after exercise and the longevity
of the athlete’s career may also be improved. Larger clinical trials with
larger patient numbers are warranted. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:13-14)
Key Indexing Terms: Task Performance and Analysis;
Sports; Therapy; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF URINARY
INCONTINENCE
Michael D. Allen, D.C.,
N.M.D., Chiropractic Neurologist
ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe
the potential effects of AK therapy upon patients with urinary incontinence who
are free from frank pathology, and to illustrate how the pelvic diaphragm
muscles are involved in this condition.
Clinical Features: More
than 13 million people in the U.S. have experienced urinary incontinence (UI),
with one in four women ages 30 to 59 affected. Especially in the elderly, four
basic types of UI occur: 1) the bladder contracts when it should not (detrusor
muscle over activity, the most common cause of geriatric UI, 2) the bladder
fails to contract appropriately (detrusor under activity; the least common
cause of UI in the elderly, 3) bladder outlet resistance is high when it should
be low (obstruction, the second most common cause of UI in older men), or 4)
bladder outlet resistance is low when it should be high (outlet incompetence;
which is secondary to pelvic muscle laxity, and is the second most common cause
of UI in older women).The pathological causes and medical treatment of UI are
reviewed. The anatomy of the pelvis is reviewed with reference to the problems
that produce UI, and the bladder control systems (neurologic and digestive) are
described.
Intervention and Outcome:
Testing the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm, correction of subluxations and
fixations affecting the nerve supply to the pelvic muscles and organs are the
most common type of treatment given for UI in AK. A review of the AK methods
used for the treatment of these muscles is offered. The relationship of the
peroneus longus, brevis and tertius muscles and the anterior tibialis muscles
to the bladder is described. The author observes that a fixation at the
cervico-dorsal spine is often present when a bilateral inhibition of these muscles
is found.
Conclusion: From an AK
perspective, treatment of UI should be directed toward optimizing the function
of the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm that helps control the unwanted release
of urine found in patients with UI. Because this treatment is non-invasive and
UI so widespread in the elderly, clinical trials of this method of evaluation
and treatment are indicated. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:27-35)
Key Indexing Terms: Urinary Incontinence; Epidemiology;
Diagnosis; Treatment; Chiropractic;
Kinesiology, Applied
MUSCLE TEST RELIABILITY, OR WHEN SCIENCE CONFRONTS
OBSERVATION
Michel Barras, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To review the
factors that must be taken into consideration when doing MMT in order to
increase the procedure’s reliability.
Clinical Features: The
major challenge to accurate and reproducible MMT is the mastery of the
technical procedures of the MMT itself. Proper angulation of the part tested,
the timing of the test, the amount of force applied, and the direction of the
force applied are critical. The difficulty of MMT is due to the fact that all
these parameters must be respected at the same time. The ability to artfully
test muscles is the most important physical talent an AK practitioner will
develop. Besides this, several other factors that may modify a MMT response are
reviewed.
Intervention and Outcome: The
factors that may alter a MMT outcome are listed: 1) bone tapping and pressure,
2) neurological disorganization, 3) recruitment of synergistic muscles, 4)
hand/finger “short-circuiting” (related to the meridian system’s effect upon
muscle function), 5) head position (the neurology of this factor is reviewed),
6) position of feet/legs of the patient while testing them either prone,
supine, sitting or standing, 7) tongue position (the effect of this upon the
cranial mechanism is reviewed), 8) mechanical leverage on the teeth (chewing
gum, etc.), 9) sphincter synergy (the interaction between the sphincters of the
body is described).
Conclusion: The MMT is
complex and in order to be reliable, a number of factors must be respected. It
is the mandatory price to pay in order to have constant reproducible
parameters. It is the key to success in using AK as a diagnostic modality.
(Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
2000-2001;1:37-40)
Key Indexing Terms: Muscle
Weakness; Diagnosis; Evaluation
Studies; Models, Theoretical; Kinesiology, Applied; Chiropractic;
THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT REVISITED
Hans W. Boehnke, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: This
paper presents the AK approach for treating structurally based disorders of the
temporomandibular joint through an integrated approach to patient care.
Clinical Features: Dental occlusion is suggested to be part
of a larger pattern of function and interdependence that includes the spine,
pelvis, cranium, extremities, and neuromuscular systems that span them. A
review of the kinematics of the jaw is provided, as well as the relevant
anatomy of the TMJ. The AK protocol for evaluation of these factors is
presented, and specific techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of the
musculature of the stomatognathic system are offered. Factors that create a
recurrence of the TMJ problem are reviewed, and diagnostic approaches and
treatments for these factors are offered. Specific inter-relationships between
the muscles of the TMJ and the function of the feet are described. 4 case
histories elucidating these findings are offered.
Intervention and Outcome:
The doctor who treats problems in the TMJ faces a great number of therapeutic
possibilities that can make the use of the proper technique for the problems
found perplexing and difficult. The author’s review of these factors may be
helpful to a physician seeking a comprehensive understanding of the problem of
the TMJ.
Conclusion: With the use
of MMT in the demonstration of the complex interactions going on in a patient’s
body that creates problems in their TMJ, communication and understanding
between the doctor and the patient is improved. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:41-49)
Key Indexing Terms: Temporomandibular
Joint; Stomatognathic System; Diagnosis; Treatment; Case Reports [Publication
Type]; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
SWITCHING, STRESS, MUSCULAR HYPERTONICITY, FIRE ELEMENT,
CENTRAL AND GOVERNING VESSELS - NEW ASPECTS FOR AN INTEGRATING OVERVIEW
Wolfgang Gerz, M.D.,
D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present a
literature review that suggest a direct connection exists between the meridian
system, the skeletal system, the cranio-sacral system, Selye’s system of
adaptation, the hormone system and the phenomenon called “switching” in AK.
Clinical Features: AK
therapists have found one of the most common problems in patients is the
“switching” or “neurological disorganization” phenomenon. This condition in the
patient may cause erroneous information to be derived from various AK testing
procedures. A review from both the European and American AK literature on the
topic of switching and its diagnosis is given. A literature review of
biomedical, AK, and acupuncture is also given that suggests how the meridian
system in its interaction with the neuromuscular system and the adaptation
system (Hans Selye) may play an important role in the switching phenomenon. The
rationale for use of the conception vessel and governing vessel in therapy
localization is described.
Intervention and Outcome:
The meridian correlations with the endocrine glands are reviewed, and its
relevance to clinical presentations and treatment strategies for patients are
described. The author states that in many cases of switching, SI3 and LU7 will
demonstrate a positive TL. Positive TL to SI3 is frequently found on the side
of handedness and LU7 is contralateral.
Conclusion: AK allows the
physical demonstration of a connection between the muscle and the meridian
systems. AK hypothesizes that the muscles and organs share physiological
systems connected via the nervous system. It is suggested in this paper that AK
and acupuncture interact and validate one another and that both can be used in
the diagnosis and treatment of patient problems. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:65-74)
Key Indexing Terms: Review
Literature; Meridians;
Acupuncture Therapy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Kinesiology, Applied
THE RETICULAR FORMATION AND ITS ROLE WITH THE BEGINNING
AND END POINTS OF THE GOVERNING VESSEL
Datis Kharrazian, D.C.,
C.C.N., C.C.S.P., C.S.C.S.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe a
treatment protocol to normalize aspects of the reticular formation.
Clinical Features: The
reticular formation is the bridge for many neurological pathways between spinal
segmental and suprasegmental areas. In a paper presented to the ICAK last year,
the author discussed a technique for patients who had minimal facilitation with
TL, gustatory motor responses, and other afferent pathway stimulations. It was
argued that performing a simple procedure enhanced afferent pathways and TL.
This paper discusses TL to the beginning and end points of the governing vessel
meridian to assess if that technique is required. The author had found numerous
discrepancies between his findings with laboratory assessment and AK indicators.
The author reasoned that there was aberrant information being sent to the alpha
motor neuron by the neurological pathways used in his sensory receptor
challenges or TL. A review of the neurological function of the reticular
formation is given, and its relevance to the discrepancies he found between AK
and laboratory testing presented. For instance, when a patient TLs using light
touch afferents, or when a challenge procedure to a vertebra is performed
inducing mechanoreceptor afferents to cause a change in the central integrative
state of the alpha motor neuron, the test is dependent upon a properly
integrated thalamohypothalmoreticulospinal loop. Or when a gustatory challenge
is used, the test is dependent upon properly integrated pathways from cranial
nerves VII, IX, and X to the solitary nucleus and down the
hypothalmoreticulospinal tract to the anterior horn. The common denominator
between these pathways is the reticular formation and its medial and lateral
reticulospinal tracts’ influence on the anterior horn through the final common
pathway.
Intervention and Outcome: The
author found that a loud noise such as clapping near the patient’s ears would
stress the reticular formation and create a suprasegmental muscle inhibition
pattern. The correction is made by clapping and then finding which beginning
and ending acupuncture point negates the inhibition pattern. The treatment
consists of performing injury recall technique after clapping and stimulating
the B and E point.
Conclusion: The author
has found that performing this technique resulted in dramatic improvements in
TL and other afferent receptor challenges commonly used in AK. Doctors usually
assume the neurological pathways from the receptor challenges to the anterior
horn are modulated appropriately. This may not always be the case. In these
cases the author argues that it is important to assess and correct these
pathways in the initial stages of treatment. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:77-79)
Key Indexing Terms: Reticular
Formation; Afferent Pathways; Hypesthesia; Acupuncture Points; Kinesiology,
Applied
THE ROLE OF THE TRANSVERSE LIGAMENT IN SUPRASCAPULAR
NERVE ENTRAPMENTS
Datis Kharrazian, D.C., C.C.N., C.C.S.P., C.S.C.S.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To discuss the role the transverse
ligament plays in the suprascapular entrapment syndrome, and elaborate upon the
mechanism of neuroischemia as the model for peripheral nerve entrapments.
Clinical Features: Suprascapular entrapment syndrome
may produce diffuse shoulder pain, scapula-thoracic instability, even atrophy
of the infraspinatus muscle. A stretching of the suprascapular nerve when the
scapula is unstable is the cause of the entrapment. Activities that require
scapular stability exacerbate the patient’s symptoms. This entrapment becomes
evident when the infraspinatus muscle is inhibited as it is tested with the arm
flexed to 90 degrees and the shoulder rotated anteriorly. The entrapment is
corrected by normalizing the function to the scapular stabilizing muscles. AK
techniques such as origin and insertion, strain-counter strain, fascial stretch
reactions, muscle spindle techniques, reactive muscle patterns, etc. are
usually successful.
Intervention and Outcome: The author presents a case where the above
protocol had only limited results. A professional tennis player presented who
hurt his shoulder 2 years before while attempting to hit a ball out of his
reach. The patient had immediate stabbing pain in his shoulder that had
diminished in 2 years to a constant boring pain. He had developed severe
atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle that was obvious with inspection of the
scapula. 2 years of rubber band exercises to strengthen the infraspinatus and
other rotator cuff muscles were of no value. He demonstrated proper
facilitation of the infraspinatus muscle on MMT, but when his arm was flexed to
90 degrees and shoulder rotated anteriorly - inhibition of the infraspinatus
muscle was dramatic. The suprascapular nerve passes through a foramen created
by the scapular notch on the superior border of the scapula and the transverse
ligament. Challenge of the ligament to a stretch caused inhibition of all
muscles. This was a rebound challenge that is commonly used in AK. After
applying forceful pressure to the transverse ligament for 60 seconds there was
a dramatic facilitation of the infraspinatus muscle when tested in 90-degree
flexion and anterior rotation of the shoulder.
Conclusion: Restoring proper function to the scapula
stabilizers and correcting the transverse ligament of the scapula has been
found to correct the suprascapular entrapment syndrome among the author’s
patients. Clinical trials of these methods are warranted. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 2000-2001;1:81-83)
Key Indexing Terms: Shoulder Joint; Scapula; Nerve
Compression Syndromes; Case Reports [Publication Type]; Diagnosis;
Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied
THE ROLE OF THE SCALENUS ANTICUS MUSCLE IN DYSINSULINISM
AND CHRONIC NON-TRAUMATIC NECK PAIN
Thomas A. Rogowskey, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present a case series report on the AK
treatment of dysinsulinism that also facilitated the anterior scalene muscles
thereby ameliorating cervical spine related symptoms.
Clinical Features: The author presents his
investigation of chronic neck stiffness in his patients and its association to
anterior scalene weakness and sugar metabolism mechanisms. The physiology of
dysinsulinism is presented, and its signs and symptoms are described. The
author presents 4 cases (ages 15 to 65, 3 female and 1 male) that showed how
the successful treatment of dysinsulinism in his patients using AK methods
eliminated the need to treat this muscle’s weakness.
Intervention and Outcome: Dysinsulinism syndrome was
diagnosed using two methods. Each requires a challenge to a previously
facilitated long head of the biceps muscle with the arm in full extension and
flexed at the shoulder 45 degrees. Pinching the pancreas visceral referred pain
area (VRP), or hard rubbing of the pancreas neurolymphatic reflex produces
inhibition of the long head of the biceps in this syndrome. If a facilitated
muscle becomes inhibited after the patient insalivates 6X or 8X homeopathic
insulin, it is interpreted as dysinsulinism also. Laboratory tests and other AK
tests relating to blood sugar handling mechanisms should be used to
substantiate the findings of dysinsulinism. Using the muscle that is inhibited,
or any muscle that shows weakness found with insulin exposure, a receptor stimuli
that overrides this test would indicate that the dysinsulinism is secondary to
the receptor that was stimulated. This factor would then be treated. If no
receptor stimuli are found that overrides this test, then dysinsulinism is
primary. The author reviews the nutrients from the biochemical literature and
other methods used in AK to treat dysinsulinism.
Conclusion: Dysinsulinism is pertinent to the
practice of functional medicine because of its prevalence in the population and
its importance in the physiology of patients. Its symptoms are very wide and
diverse. This paper argues that applied kinesiologists have the means to help
reverse this condition, and associating the anterior scalene muscle inhibition
with dysinsulinism can help the practitioner investigate the root causes of
this problem. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology,
2000-2001;1:97-103)
Key Indexing Terms: Insulin Resistance; Metabolic
Syndrome X; Nutrition Disorders; Diagnosis; Muscle Weakness; Treatment; Kinesiology,
Applied
