Evidence Based Research - Australian Kinesiology Association Inc.

Two thirds of the Australian population access some form of complementary therapy annually. Building on a body of evidence-based research (EBR) is an absolute priority for our kinesiology industry.

The quality of evidence is determined by the level and type of evidence generated. The body of evidence consists of primary original research in the form of either randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, or case studies. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has grades of research that comprise “medical research” and case studies are a recognised stage in the formation of medical research.

Compiling and organising our research allows kinesiologists to clearly communicate the benefits and clinical efficacy of kinesiology. This will enable kinesiology to gain recognition and credibility within the medical profession, government bodies and the wider community.

AKA members are invited to participate in research. Case studies attract 5 CPE points per case study (maximum of 10 points per membership year). Members can read more here (must be logged in).

2019-20 Natural Therapies Review

A submission was completed on 23rd October, 2020 by a group of volunteers from both the Australian Institute of Kinesiologists Ltd. and the Australian Kinesiology Association Inc. for the 2019-20 Natural Therapies Review, Tranche 2 being conducted by the Australian Government Department of Health.

In summary the Natural Therapies Review Board had requested: ‘Studies on the clinical effectiveness of the natural therapies in preventing and/or treating health conditions, disease or injuries in humans. This includes whole-system, multi-component practice and may include components of the therapy (i.e. tools of the trade)’ . Only peer reviewed published scientific research studies were eligible for consideration in the review.

As there are very few peer reviewed published whole-system kinesiology studies, additional citations were chosen to represent the components or tools of kinesiology, such as acupressure as an example. Our working party identified just under 100 citations that were thought to meet all the selection criteria. Please note that the references are yet to be assessed by the Natural Therapies Review Board and practitioners are advised from making any claims.

Download Submission Summary

Kinesiology Research

Peer-Reviewed Published Research

Systematic Reviews

Hall, S., Lewith, G., Brien, S., & Paul, L. (2008). A review of the literature in applied and specialised kinesiology. Forsch Komplementmed, 15(1), 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1159/000112820

Randomised Control Trials

Eardley, S., Brien, S., Little, P., Prescott, P., & Lewith, G. (2013). Professional kinesiology practice for chronic low back pain: Single-blind, randomised controlled pilot study. Forsch Komplementmed, 20(1), 180-188. https://doi.org/10.1159/000346291

Grünenberg, K., Hillersdal, L., Walker, H. K., & Boelsbjerg, H. B. (2013). Doing wholeness, producing subjects: Kinesiological sensemaking and energetic kinship. Body & Society, 19(4), 92-119. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357034X13479146

Hall, S., Lewith, G., Brien, S., & Little, P. (2008). An exploratory pilot study to design and assess the credibility of a sham kinesiology treatment. Forsch Komplementmed, 15(1), 321-326. https://doi.org/10.1159/000170401

Jensen, A. M. (2018). Emerging from the mystical: Rethinking muscle response testing as an ideomotor effect. Energy Psychology, 10(2), 13-27. http://www.drannejensen.com/PDF/publications/Emerging%20from%20the%20Mystical%20paper%20-%20EPJ%2011-2018.pdf

Jensen, A. M., Stevens, R., & Burls, A. (2015). Developing the evidence for kinesiology-style manual muscle testing: A series of diagnostic test accuracy studies. Advances in Integrative Medicine, 1(3), 158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2015.01.010

Jensen, A. M., Stevens, R. J., & Burls, A. J. (2016). Estimating the accuracy of muscle response testing: Two randomised-order blinded studies. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 16(1), 492. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1416-2

Jensen, A. M., Stevens, R. J., & Burls, A. J. (2018). Muscle testing for lie detection: Grip strength dynamometry is inadequate. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(1), 16-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.11.001

Jensen, A. M., Stevens, R. J., & Burls, A. J. (2018). The impact of using emotionally arousing stimuli on muscle response testing accuracy. Complement Medicine Research, 26(1), 301-309. https://doi.org/10.1159/000497188

Jensen, A. M., Stevens, R. J., & Burls, A. J. (2020). Investigating the validity of muscle response testing: Blinding the patient using subliminal visual stimuli. Advances in Integrative Medicine, 7(1), 29-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2019.04.002

Other

Maine, I., Horvath A. J., & Lau, P. (2022). ‘Touch for Health’ based kinesiology interventions: An innovative qualitative research exploring clients’ perspectives. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 49, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101643

Unpublished Research

Randomised Control Trials

Poole, D. (2014). The effectiveness of PKP kinesiology in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. Canberra Kinesiology. Download

Student Research Projects

Dumas, K., Green, R., Hawke, K., Huynh, P., Kuurman, N., Rayson, S., & Wyllie, J. (2017). An investigation into the efficacy of Professional Kinesiology Practice in improving the quality and quantity of sleep Australian Kinesiology Association National Conference, Melbourne. Download

Gavrilova, N. (2017). Can kinesiology help to reduce frequency and severity of menopausal hot flushes? O’Neill Kinesiology College. Download

Gregoire, S. (2017). Kinesiology increases the wellbeing index in adult women. O’Neill Kinesiology College. Download

Case Reports

Tobar, H. Heart rate variability case study. NK Institute.

Student Theses/Masters (including within books)

Armstrong, H. A. (1991). The effects of a Touch for Health energy balance on muscle strength and ratio Lakehead University. Download

Bohanna-Martin, A. (2015). A pilot study investigating the efficacy of a Professional Kinesiology Practice: An intervention for stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms Australian Catholic University. Download

Burke, D. F. (2007). Stories of stress: feeling, thinking and the flourishing of life University of Southern Queensland. https://eprints.usq.edu.au/4780/

Dawson, S. (1999). Assisting healing by reduction of stress, using Three in One concepts: An evaluation of clients’ perceptions Victoria University. Melbourne, Australia. http://threeinone.com.au/research-resources/assisting-healing-by-reduction-of-stress-using-three-in-one-concepts-an-evaluation-of-clients-perceptions/

Greenwell, M. B. W. (2018). Self-empowerment in the healing process: An exploration of energy kinesiology techniques to enhance personal decision-making and provide tools for maintaining wellness and health. Qualitative Health Research Conference, Halifax, Canada. Download

McCrossin, S. (1996). Effect of the Brain Integration Technique (BIT) on cortical activity, auditory short-term memory performance and reading comprehension. Learning Enhancement Center. https://www.theprattclinics.com/images/uploads/main/brain.pdf

Other

Jensen, A. M. (2015). Estimating the prevalence of use of kinesiology-style manual muscle testing: A survey of educators. Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2(2), 96-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2015.08.003

Wye, L., & Digby, K. (2008). Building research capacity amongst kinesiologists: Results from a mixed methods study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 14(1), 65-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.12.004