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Assumptions and Intent

This protocol evaluates the accuracy of the Sway Test, a form of manual muscle testing (MMT) in Applied Kinesiology (AK), for identifying substance needs under triple-blind conditions. The study assumes that AK practitioners can detect physiological needs (e.g., nutrient deficiencies) through body sway responses, as claimed in AK practice. It tests whether Sway Test accuracy exceeds chance (50%) when subjects hold tailored substances (e.g., vitamins based on dietary screening) versus placebos. The intent is exploratory and educational, addressing skepticism raised in works like Stephen Barrett’s “Applied Kinesiology: Muscle-Testing for ‘Allergies’ and ‘Nutrient Deficiencies’”, which critiques AK’s scientific validity. This protocol aims to provide empirical data on the Sway Test’s reliability in a controlled setting, emphasizing that results are not diagnostic and require professional medical follow-up. The protocol is inspired by a clinical trial titled and linked: Test-retest-reliability and validity of the Kinesiology muscle test.

CITATION:

Lüdtke R, Kunz B, Seeber N, Ring J. Test-retest-reliability and validity of the Kinesiology muscle test. Complement Ther Med. 2001 Sep;9(3):141-5. doi: 10.1054/ctim.2001.0455. PMID: 11926427.

This protocol is designed to objectively assess Sway Test accuracy.

Objectives

• Determine if Sway Test accuracy exceeds 50% in identifying needed versus non-needed substances under triple-blind conditions.
• Ensure tester consistency through pre- and post-calibration with open-label substances.
• Use tailored substances based on subject profiles to enhance ecological validity.

Disclaimer

This study is for educational and exploratory purposes only. Applied Kinesiology, including the Sway Test, is not a validated scientific method. Results must not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Participants must consult healthcare professionals (e.g., via laboratory tests) for health concerns. Obtain informed consent from all participants, emphasizing no guarantees of accuracy. Use only safe substances and halt testing if adverse effects occur.

Participant Roles and Recruitment

Roles

• Independent Preparer: One neutral individual tailors, prepares, and codes vials, exiting after setup.
• Testers: 3-5 AK experts, blinded to vial contents, trained in the Sway Test (standardized: subject standing, gentle forward/backward pressure).
• Subjects: 30 adults, blinded, screened for tailored needs via questionnaire (e.g., diet history), with documented Sway Test experience.
• Administrator: One neutral individual, blinded during testing, manages logistics, logs data, and decodes results post-session.
• Logistics: Conduct batch sessions (e.g., 5 subjects/day) over weeks to manage fatigue and workload. All tests (pre-calibration, blinded, post-calibration) are video-recorded with participant consent.

Recruitment

• Subjects: Recruit 30 adults who actively use or have been trained in the Sway Test, verified through self-reported practice (e.g., regular use in personal health routines) or certification from recognized AK practitioners. Recruitment channels include AK community networks, wellness forums, and practitioner referrals.
• Testers: Recruit 3-5 AK experts with documented training or experience in the Sway Test, sourced from professional AK organizations or certified training programs.
• Inclusion Criteria:
  • Subjects: Adults (18+), able to provide informed consent, with documented Sway Test training or practical experience (e.g., self-reported use or certification). Screened for potential nutrient needs via diet/history questionnaire.
  • Testers: AK practitioners with specific Sway Test training or experience, verified by certification or professional endorsement.
• Exclusion Criteria:
  • Subjects: Musculoskeletal issues (e.g., balance disorders, injuries), neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s), or chronic fatigue that could affect sway responses. Use of medications/substances (e.g., sedatives, alcohol) within 24 hours that may alter muscle responses. Under 18 or unable to consent. Conflicts of interest (e.g., financial ties to AK organizations).
  • Testers: Lack of specific Sway Test training or experience. Conflicts of interest.

Materials

• Substances (Tailored per Subject):
  • Needed: Selected based on screening (e.g., B12 for vegans, iron for anemics via diet questionnaire).
  • Not Needed: Inert placebo (e.g., starch powder, water), matched for weight, texture, and appearance.
  • Packaged in identical opaque vials.
• Calibrators (Per Subject, Tailored):
  • Labeled “Needed” (open, real tailored substance).
  • Labeled “Not Needed” (open, placebo).
• Blinded Vials: 100 per subject (50 needed, 50 placebo, randomized 1:1), coded (e.g., “S1-Trial42”), with sealed decoding key.
• Tools: Randomization software, timer, data logging app, consent forms, video recording equipment (mandatory, with consent).

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Preparation (Pre-Session Setup by Independent Preparer)

• Screen subjects privately using an anonymous diet/history questionnaire to identify tailored needs (e.g., low calcium). Select 1-2 safe substances per subject, avoiding risks (e.g., allergies).
• Prepare 100 blinded vials per subject (50 real needed, 50 placebo), randomized using software. Assign unique codes; seal decoding key.
• Prepare open-labeled calibrators (tailored “Needed” and “Not Needed”).
• Deliver shuffled coded vials and calibrators to the administrator. Exit the study site.
• Administrator briefs participants without revealing the hypothesis: “This evaluates testing consistency; data anonymized.” Obtain signed consent, including for mandatory video recording, ensuring subjects are rested and have not consumed stimulants.

2. Pre-Calibration Tests (Open-Label Baseline)

• Purpose: Establish “forward sway” (needed) and “backward sway” (not needed) baselines using tailored calibrators.
• Procedure (per subject, rotate testers, video-record all tests):
  • Subject stands upright, feet shoulder-width apart, holding labeled “Needed” calibrator.
  • Tester applies gentle forward/backward pressure (2-3s, ~2-5 lbs) to assess sway, expecting “forward” for needed. Repeat 5 times.
  • Log response, tester confidence (1-10), subject/tester fatigue (1-10), and notes.
  • Switch to labeled “Not Needed” calibrator, expecting “backward” sway. Repeat 5 times.
  • Randomize order; include 30s rests between tests.
• Duration: ~10 min/subject.

3. Blinded Main Trials

• Purpose: Test Sway Test accuracy under triple-blind conditions.
• Procedure (video-record all tests):
  • Administrator selects a randomized coded vial.
  • Subject holds vial (contents/code hidden).
  • Tester performs Sway Test, recording “forward” (needed) or “backward” (not needed).
  • Log vial code, response, confidence, fatigue ratings, and notes.
  • Conduct 100 trials per subject (50 needed, 50 placebo, randomized), including 5% dummy trials (known outcomes) to check reliability.
  • Controls: 2-min breaks every 20 trials; no feedback to testers/subjects; split into two 50-trial sessions if fatigue ≥7/10.
• Duration: ~45-60 min/subject, paced to avoid fatigue.

4. Post-Calibration Tests (Open-Label Follow-Up)

• Purpose: Assess drift (e.g., due to fatigue).
• Procedure (video-record all tests):
  • “Needed” calibrator: 5 tests, expect “forward” sway.
  • “Not Needed” calibrator: 5 tests, expect “backward” sway.
  • Log responses, confidence, fatigue, and compare to pre-calibration.
• Duration: ~10 min/subject.

5. Debrief and Analysis (Post-Sessions)

• Administrator decodes vials using the sealed key.
• Calculate accuracy: Percentage of correct matches (forward=needed, backward=not needed).
• Statistical analysis:
  • Test null hypothesis (accuracy = 50%) vs. alternative (accuracy > 50%) using binomial test (e.g., Python’s scipy.stats.binomtest, α=0.05).
  • Compute 95% confidence intervals and effect sizes (e.g., Cohen’s h).
  • Use generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to account for subject/tester variability.
  • Stratify accuracy by substance type (e.g., B12 vs. iron) to explore heterogeneity.
• Assess pre/post-calibration consistency (% expected matches).
• Review video recordings to verify tester technique consistency.
• Share aggregated results with participants, reiterating non-diagnostic nature and recommending professional follow-up for identified needs.

Data Logging Template

Record the following for each subject (anonymized ID):

Phase	Trial #	Vial/Code	Response	Confidence (1-10)	Fatigue (Subj/Tester)	Notes
Pre-Cal	1	Needed (Labeled)	Forward	8	2/3	Tailored to low Vit C
Blinded	1	S1-001 (Blinded)	Backward	7	3/4	Steady, no cues
Blinded	2	S1-002 (Dummy)	Forward	6	3/4	Dummy trial, expected
Post-Cal	1	Not Needed (Labeled)	Backward	9	4/5	No drift, subject alert

Power and Mitigations

• Power: With 3,000 trials (100 per subject, 30 subjects), the study has >90% power to detect accuracy ≥55% (vs. 50%, α=0.05), calculated using binomial power analysis (e.g., R’s pwr package).
• Tailoring: Enhances relevance but may introduce variability. Stratify results by substance if patterns emerge.
• Mitigations: Triple-blind design, randomization, 5% dummy trials, tester rotation, and mandatory video recording (with consent) minimize bias. Standardize Sway Test technique (standing, gentle pressure) and monitor fatigue (scale 1-10 every 20 trials).