Positive Health Online

Abstract

LUEDTKE and colleagues, Karl and Veronica Carstens-Stiftung, Essen, Germany, r.luedtke@carstens-stiftung.de, examined the test-retest reliability and validity of kinesiology muscle testing when used as a method of identifying a substance (wasp venom ) known to be an allergen to a particular group of patients.

Background

Methodology

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved seven patients who were allergic to wasp venom, as confirmed by clinical and laboratory tests, and four Health Kinesiology practitioners (examiners). Using the anterior deltoid as the indicator muscle for each patient, the examiners tested each patient for their 'sensitivity' towards the substance contained in each of 10 bottles containing venom and 10 bottles containing placebo . 'Sensitivity' was indicated by a weak muscle hold and 'not sensitive' (normal) was indicated by stable holding .

Results

Analysis of the results showed the kinesiology test to be unreliable as a method of identifying the allergenic substance (kappa=0.03). The method was estimated to have a sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 60% .

Conclusion

In this small study, the use of Health Kinesiology as a diagnostic tool appeared to be no more effective than random guessing .

References

Luedtke R et al. Test-retest-reliability and validity of the Kinesiology muscle test. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 9 (3): 141-5. Sep 2001.