To understand the scientific basis of kinesiology, we need to explore the neuroscience behind muscle testing. This blog will delve into how muscles respond to muscles respond to stimuli and the role of the nervous system in muscle function.
How Muscles Respond to Stimuli
Muscle response is a complex process involving several components of the nervous system:
Motor Neurons: These are nerve cells that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, initiating movement.
Neuromuscular Junction: This is where the motor neuron meets the muscle fiber. Here, neurotransmitters (primarily acetylcholine) are released to trigger muscle contraction.
Muscle Fibers: These contract in response to the neurotransmitter signals, generating force.
Proprioceptors: These sensory receptors in the muscles and joints provide feedback about the body's position and movement.
When a kinesiologist applies pressure to test a muscle, this complex system is activated. The muscle's ability to resist the pressure depends on the efficient functioning of this entire neuromuscular pathway.
The Role of the Nervous System in Muscle Function
The nervous system plays a crucial role in muscle testing:
Central Nervous System (CNS): The brain and spinal cord process information and send signals to the muscles.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This includes the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body, including muscles.
Somatic Nervous System: A part of the PNS that controls voluntary muscle movements.
Autonomic Nervous System: Another part of the PNS that regulates involuntary functions, including muscle tone.
Kinesiology theory suggests that stressors (physical, emotional, or chemical) can affect the functioning of these nervous system components, potentially leading to changes in muscle strength or tone that can be detected through muscle testing.
Neuroplasticity and Muscle Testing
Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections, may play a role in the effectiveness of kinesiology:
Adaptive Responses: Regular muscle testing might enhance the nervous system's ability to respond to specific stimuli.
Feedback Loops: The process of muscle testing could potentially create new neural pathways, improving the body's ability to maintain balance and respond to stressors.
The Placebo Effect and Expectation
It's important to consider the role of the placebo effect and expectation in muscle testing:
Cognitive Influence: The expectation of a certain outcome can influence muscle performance.
Subconscious Cues: Both the practitioner and the client may unknowingly give or respond to subtle cues that affect muscle
Scientific Studies on Muscle Testing
Some studies have explored the scientific basis of muscle testing:
A study published in the journal "Perceptual and Motor Skills" (Caruso & Leisman, 2000) found that muscle test responses were not dependent on cardiovascular blood flow, suggesting a neurological basis for muscle test responses.
Research in the "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics" (Schmitt & Cuthbert, 2008) indicated that muscle testing might be used to distinguish true from false statements, although the mechanism remains unclear.
In 2015 Anne Jensen published a research undertaken as part of her degree "Estimating the prevalence of use of kinesiology-style manual muscle testing: A survey of educators" - link below
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212958815000890
Understanding the neuroscience behind muscle testing provides insight into how kinesiology might work on a physiological level. However, it's important to note that while these scientific principles explain aspects of muscle function, more research is needed to fully understand how they apply to kinesiology practices. In the next section, we'll explore the broader physiological aspects of kinesiology.
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