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Expanding the neurological examination using functional neurologic assessment part I: methodological considerations
1School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27514, USA.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Applied kinesiology (AK) manual muscle testing assesses neurologic function but faces methodological challenges. Future research should align study designs with AK
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Kinesiology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Applied kinesiology (AK) is a manual assessment method used to evaluate muscular and neurologic function.
- Previous research on AK as a neurologic assessment tool has been hampered by methodological issues.
- Existing study designs often fail to accurately represent clinical practice and AK principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on applied kinesiology (AK) as a method for assessing neurologic function.
- To identify and discuss methodological problems in previous AK studies.
- To recommend improvements for future research designs in AK.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating applied kinesiology (AK) for neurologic assessment.
- Analysis of research designs for their adherence to clinical practice and AK principles.
- Synthesis of findings to outline the principles of AK.
Main Results:
- A significant number of previous studies exhibit methodological flaws.
- Research designs frequently deviate from the actual clinical application of AK.
- There is a need for studies that more closely mirror real-world AK practice.
Conclusions:
- Applied kinesiology (AK) shows potential as a diagnostic tool for neurologic function.
- Methodological rigor is crucial for validating AK.
- Future research must adopt designs that accurately reflect clinical AK and functional neurologic assessment.
