For a Full Definition and In-Depth understanding of Applied Kinesiology & Manual Muscle testing click here 

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a holistic approach that is very effective at balancing the body on a structural, chemical, and emotional level. Muscular testing is performed as a means of identifying imbalances in the body’s nerve/energy system, and as means of determining the optimum correction method to restore health and balance. AK helps to fine-tune the body and gives us a way to optimize the body’s self-healing, self-regulating, and performance ability.  To learn more log on to the International College of Applied Kinesiology website http://www.icak.com/about/whatis.shtml

Where did it begin?

Applied Kinesiology evolved from the inquiring mind of American chiropractor, George Goodheart D.C. In 1964 Goodheart started to use muscle tests to evaluate the effectiveness of his treatments.
He discovered that he could use the muscle test not only to determine where treatment should be directed, but also to determine whether the treatment was effective. Over the years, Goodheart discovered relationships between muscular response and organ dysfunction, nutritional imbalance, spinal subluxations, acupuncture meridian imbalance, cranial-sacral distortion, emotional states, blood flow, and energy flow. He developed and cataloged the science of AK and demonstrated his findings at seminars, workshops, and conventions around the world. In 1973 he founded the International College of Applied Kinesiology to further research and expand this exciting and effective healing system.

Why do we test muscles?

Basic human anatomy has shown that there is an intimate connection between your muscles and your nerve system. The purpose of the central nerve system, your brain and spinal cord, is to control, regulate, and heal the body. In order to do this, your brain must be able to send an electrical signal, or "vital energy", over the spinal cord, thorough the spinal nerves and out to every muscle, organ and gland.  Without the transmission of this vital enery, the body will die.  If this energy is cut off from any one part of the body, that individual part will die.  Every muscle, organ and gland is also able to send electrical signals over the nerves to notifiy the brain of its current condition and specific needs.  Optimum body function is only possible when the electrical energy in your body can travel without interference over the nerves. However, when the body is in a state of dis-ease the brain cannot effectively transmit this signal to the body parts.  As a result, the ability of the brain to control, regulate and heal the body is diminished.  Diminished nerve signals can be identified by performing a manual muscle test.     Muscle testing is performed as a means of tuning in to the function of your body's electrical system or nerve system.   When performing a muscle test we are looking for the muscle to respond "strong".  A "strong" or facilitated muscle responds by contracting fully in response to the pressure being applied to it.  If the muscle being tested is shakey, or gives way, this indicates that there is an inadequate neurologic control, or inhibition, of the muscle.  There are many reason for this, but is often the result due to neuroarticular dysfunction, or spinal joint subluxation.,   After your chiropractor locates the source of the problem, and corrects it with a chiropractic adjustment, the brain is better able to deliver the electrical signal to the muscle, the muscle responds "strong" when tested, and the functional integrity of your nerve system has been improved.  This is clinically associated with pain relief, joint stabilization, improved muscular activation, strength, flexibility, and coordination.  Chiropractic and Applied Kinesiology Manual Muscle Testing maximize your  self-healing and self-regulating abilities by improving the ability of your brain to send its life giving vital energy to every muscle, organ and gland in the body!!  GET ADJUSTED TODAY!

RESEARCH ON MANUAL MUSCLE TESTING (MMT) & APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

Here are several of the many studies across multiple disciplines on manual muscle testing and applied kinesiology. 

The first study is a fantastic synopsis of 19 peer reviewed -clinically researched cases and their response to applied kinesiology manual muscle testing and chiropractic treatment.

http://www.chiroandosteo.com/content/pdf/1746-1340-15-4.pdf 

10 years worth of Structured Abstracts from the International College of Applied Kinesiology, ICAK Collected Papers: ICAK Applied Kinesiology Collected Papers Structured Abstracts 2006-1996.doc (601 kb)

Somatosensory Evoked Potential changed during muscle testing, researched by G. Leisman, P. Shambaugh, and A. Ferentz published in 1989 in the International Journal of Neuroscience.

    This study measured the function of the central nerve system (brain & spinal cord) when muscles test strong versus when they test weak.  There were distinct, consistent, measurable, and predictable differences noted in the central nerve system between weak and strong muscle tests.  This supports the concept that muscle testing outcomes reflect changes in the central nerve system.

Here are a few more studies  

 1. Motyka, TM; Yanuck, SF (1999). "Expanding the neurological examination using functional neurologic assessment part I: methodological considerations". Int J Neurosci 97(1-2): 61–76. Retrieved on Dec/06/2007.

 2. Schmitt, W.; Leisman, G. (1998). "Correlation of Applied Kinesiology Muscle Testing Findings with Serum Immunoglobulin Levels for Food Allergies". Int J Neurosci 96 (10): 237–244. Retrieved on 12/07/07.

3.  Perot, C.; Meldener, R., Gouble, F. (1991). "Objective Measurement of Proprioceptive Technique Consequences on Muscular Maximal Voluntary". Agressologie 32 (10): 471–474. Retrieved on 12/07/07

4. Friedman MH, applied kinesiology - double-blind study, prosthetic dentistry 1981,42:321

5. Garrow JS,kinesiology and food allergy, BMJ 1988,296:1573

6.  Haas M, Peterson D, Hoyer D, Ross G.; Muscle testing response to provocative vertebral challenge and spinal manipulation: a randomized controlled trial of construct validity. PubMed (National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health)