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Understanding the Evolution of Manual Muscle Testing

• Anne Jensen
• Dec 13, 2023

Generally speaking, I believe that we must have a clear understanding of where we came from in order to have a deeper appreciation of where we are currently. In terms of muscle testing, this involves investigating its roots and making some specific distinctions.

The term Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a general term that refers to a non-invasive method for assessing neuromusculoskeletal integrity used among various healthcare practitioners. Its applications have evolved over time, leading to variations in its usage and interpretation. MMT was initially introduced in the scientific literature in 1915 when it is described as a means of evaluating muscular weakness in polio patients. However, little is known of its early methods. In 1949, Kendall and Kendall established methodologies for isolating and testing individual muscles, forming the basis for contemporary MMT in orthopaedic and neurological contexts.

During the 1960s, chiropractor George Goodheart introduced a novel approach to MMT, giving rise to Applied Kinesiology (AK). This technique shifted the focus of MMT from muscular strength evaluation to assessing the neural control of muscle function. Goodheart's theory was rooted in the belief that aberrant nervous system input weakens a muscle’s ability to resist an external force, which may also be connected to abnormal function of other related structures in the body (e.g., organs, meridians, or systems).

Subsequently, Muscle Response Testing (MRT) emerged, distinct from both traditional MMT and AK-MMT. This form of muscle testing often involves testing a single muscle, commonly called the "indicator muscle," which is tested again and again to scan for specific conditions such as stress, allergies, or food intolerances. In MRT, which muscle that is used as the indicator muscle is less significant; the emphasis lies on the response to the target condition for which the muscle is tested. Unlike MMT, the interpretations of results and the applications of MRT are not standardised, and can vary from practitioner to practitioner, from technique system to technique system, and even from test to test.

The evolution of MMT highlights the contrasting viewpoints that have arisen over time. Nevertheless, there are clearly three distinct types of MMT being practiced nowadays: (1) traditional MMT, (2) AK-MMT, and (3) MRT. Although the tests may appear similar, the purpose and interpretation of results differ significantly. Traditional MMT focuses on muscular strength, AK-MMT delves into neural control, and MRT targets innumerable conditions using the indicator muscle's response. Because understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the unique contributions and limitations of each MMT approach, I will discuss the differences in detail in coming articles.

Source: 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. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2015.08.003.
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• Source: Anne Jensen
• Author: Anne Jensen