[Evaluation of applied kinesiology in nutritional intolerance of childhood]

Abstract

Background: Because nutritional intolerances generally are difficult to be diagnosed, Applied Kinesiology (AK) often is discussed as an alternative in this field.

Aim: The uncertain scientific situation makes it necessary to assess the diagnostic value of AK. The method was compared with established laboratory tests such as RAST, lactose breath hydrogen test and a specific IgG test (Cytolisa).

Methods: 315 children and adolescents, 0-17 years old, with different chronic diseases such as headache, abdominal pain, chronic eczema, hyperactivity, and bronchial asthma were studied by means of AK for 2 years.

Results: We found a moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass-kappa 0.62) but no inter-tester reliability (intraclass-kappa -0.01). Moreover, there was no statistically significant agreement with either RAST and Cytolisa (sensitivity 73.6%, specificity 45.2%) or lactose breath hydrogen test (sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 43.2%).

Conclusions: In general, AK cannot be recommended for diagnosing nutritional intolerance. However, due to its high sensitivity, it could be a valuable tool to give some preliminary results.