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A proponent of applied kinesiology writes:
Applied Kinesiology has been around for about thirty years. Dr. George Goodheart was interested in finding relationships between the proper function of muscles and general physiology. An important side effect was discovered when melioration of physical complaints was commonly observed as muscles came into balance. It was generally concluded (among Chiropractors) that the mechanisms of motion in the body might have a major effect in treating musculo-skeletal pain.
Dr. Goodheart's original observation was that muscle strength could be affected by manipulation of spindle cell receptors which are distributed through the muscle body. The presence of an inhibitory reflex receptor within the tendons led him to discover that muscle action could be temporarily inhibited by stimulation at the muscle origin or insertion. Eventually Dr. Goodheart organized AK around five sets of reflexes (neurologic, lymphatic, meridian, cerebro-spinal and vascular). Other researchers eventually wrote about the relationship between various nutrients and specific muscle groups. Applied Kinesiologists are also interested in neurologic organization issues (eg. cross crawl pattern defects).
The study of Applied Kinesiology became more systematic with the organization of the International College of Applied Kinesiology. ICAK hosts meetings for the discussion of publications in the field. Although primarily composed of Chiropractors, the membership includes other practitioners and a number of Dentists and Osteopaths (treating TMJ disorders).
Some of the traditional reflex relationships postulated by Dr. Goodheart et. al. take a bit of creative imagination to reproduce. Although it is difficult to deny the presence of a variety of metaphysical effects, it is my belief that we human beings make a mistake when we attempt to organize them in a scientific system as if the intangible always followed our rules. With that in mind, I incorporated several of the more 'down-to-earth' principles of Applied Kinesiology into a system of tests that are useful for analysis of the function of motion in the body. This protocol for analysis was developed in the early 1980's and eventually appeared as a series of articles in "Chiropractic Economics" during 1988.
The Challenge Based Kinesiological Protocol sets aside Therapy Localization (one of Dr. Goodheart's diagnostic tools) and ignores reflexes treated by simple contact (the vascular and meridian reflexes). Challenge Based Kinesiology is based on reflexes that are well documented in neurophysiology texts. We use spindle-cell and tendon reflexes along with one of Dr. Goodheart's original diagnostic tools; the mechanical challenge to determine whether a joint will respond to a stability or mobilization manuver. The challenge is also useful for determining the vector for correction.
A hierarchy of faults was developed after careful observation of patients seeking treatment for various painful conditions. Treatment of mechanical faults usually progresses from feet to ankles, to the knees, the hips, the Sacro-iliacs and finally to the spine in most cases, but departure from common patterns can be noted by use of the challenge during the treatment phase.